County library officials announce closing date for Lakewood branch, which needs repairs

Change is coming to the Lakewood’s Pierce County library branch.

The Pierce County Library System has announced the Lakewood building will be closing June 5 to address structural issues.

Architects and engineers determined the 59-year-old facility is in critical condition and in need of repairs to the leaky roof and substandard plumbing.

According to the Pierce County Library System, the building requires $10-15 million in improvements.

The Library System has stated it doesn’t plan to invest in the Lakewood library’s current building and awaits guidance from the Board of Trustees to determine how library services can be provided to the Lakewood community. That decision is expected this fall.

Meanwhile, the Library System is looking to open a short-term location some time in 2022.

“We know the situation at the Lakewood Library is urgent and the timing is right to move to a short-term location,” said Melinda Chesbro, deputy director of the Library System.

Though the Library System has halted investment in the current building, it is working to find a better, long-term solution for library services that will benefit the Lakewood community.

Until a short-term location is determined, the Library system recommends other locations, including the Steilacoom or University Place branches.

For more information about the library closure and future updates about the short-term location in Lakewood, visit the district’s website.