Why Expand the Library?

Free access to information and the global community, support for schools, and opportunities for building community connections are essential to solving the problems we face today, especially in rural areas such as ours.The Deming Library is key to ensuring that all people have these needs met.

The library has now passed its 10 year anniversary and after several years of discussion, debate, and surveys of library patrons, it is clear that we have outgrown our facility. Here's why:

• The current library is 1/3 the recommended size for our usage and area served.

• Library use has tripled since 1992.

• Increased demand for diverse resources and materials, but no space to accommodate those materials.

• Increased demand for computer access and technology training. The expansion will provide the space; WCLS will provide the computers.

• Inadequate seating and study space.

• Lack of a meeting room for community events, tutoring, or educational classes.

Photo by Susan Johns

Benefits to the Community: • A new community meeting room to accommodate more cultural and educational events. • Room to double the collection size with more materials to check out, including books, videos, DVDs and CDs. • Room for increased Internet access and the opportunities to learn technological skills with a new computer lab.

• Triple the seating study area. • Increased school support with a teen homework center. • A local history center. • An expanded children area. • Support for small businesses and the self-employed in a new small business resource area. • Better service through adequate staff work space.

Photo by Barrat Scott

We Can Do It Again!

Twenty years ago,18 library patrons formed the Friends of the Deming Library to find a new home for the Deming Library. After eight years of hard work, the group built the present library structure, which opened in 1992 and remains the only library in the Whatcom County Library System which was built entirely by volunteer efforts and donated funds. Because the library is in an unincorporated area, there is no support from city government.The WCLS continues to provide materials, staff and furnishings, but the Friends (as owners of the building) must provide the maintenance, upgrades and eventual expansion costs.The expansion will add almost 5,000 sq. ft. to the existing 2,500 sq. ft. building and will cost approximately $500,000.The fundraising plan includes grants, corporate donations, a local "Friend to Friend" pledge drive and special community fundraising events. We are fortunate to have many of the same volunteers who built the original library, as well as new talented community folks, working on the expansion campaign. With this seasoned and capable leadership, a little hard work and the support of our community, we can do it The Friends of the Deming Library is a 501(c) (3) non profit organization. The Friends of the Deming Library, P.O. Box 357, Deming, WA 98244 Ellen Dodson and Linda Burpee, Fundraising Committee Chairperson, 360/595-0973 Art by Ross Michaelis