Tell Us What You Think!

The Ferndale Library is bursting at the seams. Students using computers to do homework are bumped off because others are waiting in line, and 30 parking spaces fill up quickly when 600 people a day visit the library. It’s no wonder the library is busy; the community makes great use of it. Meeting room space is used by 59 different groups including the Boy Scouts, support groups, moms’ groups, the Literacy Council, and tutors. Space isn’t the only building concern: safety and security are issues in and around the library.

It has become apparent to Whatcom County Library System that Ferndale Library is not serving the community the way it could: it is just too crowded. The Ferndale community has also recognized this, and included the library in the Ferndale visioning discussion.

An anonymous donor understood the community’s needs and pledged $1 million dollars to the Whatcom Community Foundation to help the Ferndale Library. Now it is time to figure out what changes in the library are a priority.

The library belongs to everyone who uses it. Whatcom County Library System wants to know what you need in a library. The Ferndale City Council has authorized a needs assessment, and this blog is one of the tools we are using to gather feedback and keep you up to date with the planning process.

What kind of a library environment does Ferndale need? More computers? Study spaces? More meeting rooms? Space for children’s programs? More parking? Please let us know what ideas you have on how the library can support you.  After you share necessities, we would also like to know what your ideal library would be like.  Would there be a fireplace? A homework center?  A coffee shop?  Take us on a tour of your dream library!