Over 60% of Washoe County residents own a library card, which unlocks a world of information and the magic of reading. With all the services we can provide, we librarians search to discover the greatest needs of our residents. We do this through surveys, forums, and our strategic planning process, which is how we plan for the future of our libraries.
One of the foremost results of our surveys was residents’ desire to spend time reading, relaxing, and hanging out in our beautiful libraries. Following that input, we’ve renovated and improved the North Valleys, Downtown Reno, Northwest Reno, Sparks, and Sierra View libraries. The creation of our Expansion Fund, thanks to the 1994 Tax Override and a significant private donation from the Tacchino Trust, has been instrumental in ensuring our libraries are welcoming spaces.
We moved the children’s area to the main floor at the Downtown Reno Library. Originally downstairs, it was moved to a different location in the 1990s that didn’t allow enough space. In 2018, we created a new space for children on the main floor. Now, busy parents and guardians don’t have to go up and down stairs or elevators to get to the magic of our libraries. A $400,000 renovation, we upgraded furniture and carpeting, moved and expanded the children’s area, renovated the historic auditorium, and added $100,000 in children’s books to our collection. Most recently, we also completed family restrooms near the children’s area and just completed our elevator upgrade. This ensures this downtown treasure will serve families for years to come.
At the Northwest Reno Library, we recarpeted, painted, added brand-new furniture, and expanded our gallery space. We also moved and expanded our Shia Szrut Holocaust collection and expanded the children’s collection with a $100,000 opening-day collection.
At the Sparks Library, we refloored, expanded the collection space, painted, and added $100,000 in children’s books.
We upgraded our Sierra View Library in the Reno Town Mall. This project was unusual because we partnered with the Reno Town Mall to upgrade the space. We added new carpet and paint at the library and the Friends of Washoe County Library space adjacent to the library. We also added new furniture and a new footprint to the library space, making it welcoming and easier to use. Our most significant upgrade was the new entrance at the back of the library. Now, people who use the services in the parking lot behind the mall can easily access the library through this new entrance.
With American Rescue Plan funding through Washoe County, we were able to make smaller improvements at the South Valleys Library and Spanish Springs Library. South Valleys upgraded its teen zone, expanded its business room, and created an overhang in the garden space, ensuring people can use that space snow or shine. At Spanish Springs, we upgraded the teen space, ensuring teens have a place to go after school and on weekends. More needs to be done, and we hope to start that process next fiscal year if our funding support remains stable.
These upgrades were thanks to community input, hardworking and creative library staff, donations, and our expansion fund created by the tax override passed in 1994. Thank you, Washoe County residents, for continuing to support your local library.
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