Library Capital Improvement Program

The Library Capital Improvement Program was created by the Legislature in their 2019 Regular Session to assist libraries operated by governmental units, as defined in RCW 27.12.010 to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate their facilities. The Department of Commerce, in consultation with the Library Capital Improvement Program Committee, conducts a statewide competitive grant process to award up to $10 million. The maximum grant amount to any one entity will not exceed $2 million. The program requires a 50% match of the total cost of the project. Priority is given to library facilities listed on local, state, or federal registers of historic places and those located in distressed or rural areas. 

Library Capital Improvement Program 2023-2025 Recommended Application List

With the assistance of the Library Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee, the Department of Commerce, as required by Substitute House Bill 1080, Section 1063, Chapter 332, Laws of 2021, is recommending 12 projects, for up to $10 million to the Governor’s Office and Legislature to be considered for inclusion in the department’s 2023-2025 biennial capital budget. The recommend list of projects is not a guarantee of funding. Projects are not approved for funding until authorized by the Washington State Legislature. 

The following projects are being recommended for funding: 

  • City of Port Townsend, Port Townsend Public Library Annex Window replacement and ADA bathrooms, $172,560
  • City of Longview, Longview Library Climate Improvements, $750,000
  • City of South Bend, South Bend Library Improvement, $248,862
  • City of Walla Walla, Public Library Expansion and Renovation Project, $2,000,000
  • Stevens County Rural Library District, Hunters Community Library, $615,000
  • City of Shelton, William G Reed Public Library Deck Repair, $70,000
  • Tacoma Public Library, Reimaging Tacoma’s Main Library, $2,000,000
  • Pend Oreille County Library District, Newport Land Acquisition, $200,000
  • Camas Public Library, Exterior Improvements, $730,000
  • San Juan Island Library District, New Spring Street Facility, $2,000,000
  • Pierce County Library- Bonney Lake, Bonney Lake Library, $164,285
  • Pierce County Library- Sumner, Sumner Library, $1,049,293

Resources

2021-2023 Grants Awarded
Public Library Capital Needs Assessment for Rural Distressed Counties

Additional Funding Resources

CERB Rural Broadband Program
Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants
Building Communities Fund
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
USDA Rural Development, Community Facilities Programs
USDA 2022 Rural Service Area Map with Contacts

Not all libraries will be eligible for all these programs. Make sure to confirm your eligibility before applying for any funds.

Need help?

Cathy Brockmann
Program Manager
(360) 764-0209
Cathy.Brockmann@commerce.wa.gov