EPHRATA — The Ephrata Public Library will temporarily close Aug. 10 as crews begin a $631,000 interior renovation aimed at modernizing the facility and creating new spaces for community gatherings, children, teens and remote work. 

The project is part of NCW Libraries' districtwide Reimagining Spaces initiative, a $10 million effort to upgrade library interiors across North Central Washington. The Ephrata branch's final day of regular service will be Aug. 8, with the remodeled library expected to reopen during the first quarter of 2027. 

Despite the lengthy construction period, library officials say residents will continue to have access to key services through a temporary pop-up library scheduled to open Sept. 3 inside the building's existing meeting room. 

"We really wanted to keep library services available," said Danielle Durr, NCW Libraries area manager for the south region. "We just don't have the space for people to come in and sit like they normally would, but we'll still have computers available, a printer available and a small collection people can browse." 

The pop-up location will offer public computers, printing services, holds pickup, self-checkout and a limited collection of books. The exterior book drop will remain open throughout construction. 

For Supervising Librarian Aaron Loeffelbein, reaching the construction phase marks the culmination of years of planning and community engagement. 

"It's unreal. It's so exciting," Loeffelbein said. "The delays were a little frustrating at first, but all the things that happened during that span of time put us in a better place to start now." 

The redesign was shaped by extensive public input gathered in 2023, when more than 600 residents participated in surveys, meetings and community events. Feedback showed strong support for creating family-friendly spaces and opportunities for creative activities. 

"The top winner by far was family fun and play," Loeffelbein said. "If anybody's been to this library, that's no surprise at all. That is how the community loves to use this library." 

The renovated facility will include expanded children's and teen areas, updated furnishings, a dedicated community meeting room, private study and work spaces, renovated restrooms, new flooring, shelving, lighting and paint. 

One of the additions Loeffelbein is most excited about is a multipurpose study room that can be reserved by the public for activities ranging from telehealth appointments to podcasts and digital media projects. 

The renovation will also address aging infrastructure within the nearly 40-year-old building. 

"The furniture that's in here was purchased for a different building," Loeffelbein said. "The shelving was purchased for a library that doesn't exist anymore. Essentially, this building hasn't changed in 40 years." 

Families visiting after the renovation can expect a larger children's area featuring interactive play elements and updated furniture designed specifically for young patrons. A redesigned teen section will move to a central location and include dedicated seating and computer access. 

While the main facility is closed, some library programming will continue. Storytime will move to the Ephrata Recreation Center at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Sit and Stitch gatherings will continue at 1:30 p.m. Thursdays at the recreation center. 

Loeffelbein said staff will also maintain outreach efforts throughout the community and encouraged residents to continue using nearby libraries in Moses Lake, Quincy and Soap Lake. 

Patrons can also place items on hold through NCW Libraries and pick them up at the Ephrata pop-up branch once it opens. 

Library officials said the temporary location will operate on a modified schedule. Current plans call for hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The library will be closed from 12 to 1 p.m. for lunch. The pop-up will be closed Wednesdays to accommodate construction work. 

As the project progresses, the pop-up location is expected to close temporarily for a later phase of construction, particularly during restroom renovations. Officials said those dates have not yet been determined and will be communicated in advance. 

For Loeffelbein, the success of the project will be measured not by new furniture or fresh paint, but by how people use the space. 

"I really love coming out and seeing people using the library," he said. "Families hanging out in the kids section, people working on paperwork, reading the paper, using the computers. I think the biggest thing is seeing the community use the space." 

When the doors reopen in 2027, he hopes longtime patrons feel their voices were heard. 

"I would hope when they walk in, they feel like we understood and we listened," Loeffelbein said. "That they feel like this is a space where they're welcome." 

Ephrata Pop-up Library hours:  

Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The pop-up library will be closed from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch daily. 

    NCW Libraries Area Manager Danielle Durr (left) and Ephrata Library Supervising Librarian Aaron Loeffelbein (right) discuss plans to continue preparing for renovations at the branch.
  

    The Ephrata Library will begin renovations next week, including upgrading the kid’s zone and adding a train, according to Supervising Librarian Aaron Loeffelbein.
  

    A rendering of what the new kid’s zone will look like at the Ephrata Public Library after renovations are completed in early 2027.