Get the latest on the Lakewood Pierce County Library.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The interim library will allow the public to have the full range of access to library services while a long-term decision about Lakewood and Tillicum Pierce County Library is being determined. A community advisory committee, created by the Library System and the City of Lakewood, reviewed options for how to provide quality library services in the long term for Lakewood and Tillicum. The committee provided its recommendation to the Library’s Board of Trustees and Lakewood City Council at a joint meeting on Nov. 17, 2022. The Board of Trustees is considering next steps for the Lakewood and Tillicum libraries.

Lakewood Library, previously located on Wildaire Road S.W.

In June 2022, the Library System closed the aging Lakewood Library because it was in critical and unsafe condition and needed significant maintenance and repair.

Engineers projected the building needed approximately $22 million in repairs and replacements, to bring the 59-year-old building (as of 2022) up to code for safety with seismic engineering and fire, as well as systems such as mechanical, electrical and plumbing. A September 2022 structural engineering report is more in-depth than a 2021 architects’ building condition assessment that estimated the building required $10 million-$15 million in repairs for improved safety and access, including replacing the roof, HVAC and plumbing.

Appraisers estimated the value of the property at $1.5 million.

In fall 2024 workers demolished the building.

More information.

Closure Myths and Facts

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