Ephrata Library to close Aug. 10 for remodel; reopen early 2027

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Public Library will close Monday, Aug. 10 for the start of a full interior remodel with the redesigned branch expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2027, announced NCW Libraries.

The $631,000 renovation is part of the Wenatchee-based regional library system’s “Reimagining Spaces Project,” a $10 million, multi-year revitalization of its 28 branches serving communities in Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant and Okanogan counties.

Located at 45 Alder St. N.W., Ephrata’s last day of full service will be Saturday, Aug. 8. A “pop-up library” will open Thursday, Sept. 3 in the building’s current meeting room, accessible through the library’s front entrance. Operating hours will be announced beforehand. Later in the construction process, the pop-up library will also close temporarily to complete work in the building.

“The pop-up library will offer a browsing collection, self-service holds pickup, public computers, a photocopier/printer, and self-checkout,” said Amanda Brack, NCW Libraries communications manager, in a press release today (Friday, July 31).

In addition, library programs will continue at community locations, including weekly “Storytime” sessions on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and weekly “Sit and Stitch” on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m., both at the Ephrata Recreation Center. Find the full schedule at ncwlibraries.libcal.com.

A surplus sale is planned Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Ephrata branch. Its books will be retained, but existing furniture, shelving, toys and craft supplies will be available for sale on a first-come, cash-and-carry basis.

The library’s interior redesign will include new paint, flooring, shelving, lighting, furniture, enhanced children and teen areas, fully renovated restrooms, and a community meeting room. There will also be small work spaces including a study room equipped with teleservices technology for private telehealth appointments, video calls, virtual job interviews, and more.

The new design reflects input received from more than 600 Ephrata-area residents during a community engagement process in fall 2023. And it remains a popular place: last year, there were 32,000 total visitors, said librarian Aaron Loeffelbein.

The 5,199-square-foot brick building is owned by the City of Ephrata and once served as the town fire hall. The local library moved into the repurposed space in February 1986 – the same time it joined the regional system, said Loeffelbein.

Brack said communities like Ephrata which choose to have a physical library provide the buildings and are responsible for their costs, including structural maintenance. As an example, Ephrata paid for a roof replacement in the spring of 2021.

NCW Libraries then provides “everything inside: the staff, collections, technology, programs, and services,” said Brack, adding, “… we also provide a set reimbursement to our partner communities to help offset their building maintenance and use costs.”

The reimbursement rate is set by the regional system’s board of trustees “based on what’s sustainable within our budget,” she said.

Brack called the $631,000 allocation for Ephrata’s redesign “a significant investment in a building we don’t own.”

But, she said, “We’re glad to make it because our mission is providing strong library service in every community in our district. The City of Ephrata has been a genuinely collaborative partner throughout this project, and we’re grateful for that.”

Nearby, the Soap Lake Public Library’s interior is among those already renovated through the system’s “Reimagining Spaces Project.” Other regional branch libraries located in Grant County include Coulee City, George, Grand Coulee, Moses Lake, Quincy, Royal City and Warden.

More information and the latest news about the Ephrata Public Library can be found on Facebook, the NCW Libraries website, by calling 509-754-3971, or emailing ephrata@ncwlibraries.org.