As members of the Friends of the Washougal Community Library continue to support the idea of a new library, there are discussions regarding whether it would be beneficial to sign a lease at Washougal Town Square or wait to build.
Nancy Tessman, the new executive director of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, recently walked through one of the vacant spaces at Washougal Town Square.
“It has very nice elements,” she said during a recent Friends meeting.
An alternative to leasing could involve constructing a library on city-owned property near City Hall. No particular site has been discussed, according to Washougal Mayor Sean Guard.
He, as well as City Council members Jennifer McDaniel and Paul Greenlee, Planning Commissioner Larry White and Interim Community Development Director Mitch Kneipp, also attended the recent Friends meeting.
“You really do need a larger, better space and room to grow,” Tessman said.
She said new libraries attract businesses and economic development.
“A really good library is the heart of the community,” Tessman added.
Gayla Marple, chair of the Friends membership committee, mentioned that the Battle Ground Library was constructed without the need for a voter-approved bond issue.