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Tacoma reimagines central library with maker labs, community hub and partnerships
Summary
City speakers described a reconfigured Tacoma library with a new children's and family area, a maker lab suite and a Second Floor community hub hosting four partner organizations; the renovation followed the library's strategic planning and community outreach process.
City library officials described a multi‑year renovation and reimagining of Tacoma's central library that moves services into more accessible, activity‑focused spaces including maker labs and a community hub run with partner organizations.
A library representative told TV Tacoma the renovation followed the library's 2020 strategic plan and extensive community outreach, including surveys and focus groups. The First Floor will host main services; a new children's and family area includes child‑customized computers, tactile play spaces, family seating and family restrooms.
The library's Second Floor has been reconfigured as a "community hub" to be activated by four community partners that will provide programs and services on site, the representative said. The facility also includes a maker lab suite for digital media, STEM activities and hands‑on spaces; the broadcast highlighted a letterpress shop and a woodworking/letterpress area called Wright 253 as examples of the library's expanded maker offerings.
Library officials said the design is intended to make the building a place for creation and learning rather than only for checking out materials. They encouraged residents to visit and see the new spaces.
