Busiest library branch in Tacoma to close temporarily this spring. Here’s what we know
Tacoma North End’s popular Wheelock library branch will be temporarily closed starting March 4 while its heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is updated, according to the library system.
The Proctor branch, 3722 North 26th St., is the busiest location in Tacoma. Library spokesperson Mariesa Bus told The News Tribune Tuesday the Wheelock branch has the highest circulation of any of its locations, accounting for 38% of all checkouts across the Tacoma Public Library system. About 11,000 people visit the branch monthly, she said.
In addition to the HVAC upgrades, which the library system said will “improve the building’s comfort and energy efficiency,” Tacoma Public Library plans to update the teen area during the closure.
The branch will remain closed indefinitely through the spring. Bus said the work is expected to be completed by mid-June.
Book drops will be closed at the branch while repairs are underway, according to the library system. Patrons also won’t be able to browse the books there, which might make hold times longer for all in Tacoma. In the meantime, residents can pick up holds and drop off returns there Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The closest book-drop locations are at the newly opened Main library downtown, 1102 Tacoma Ave. S., or the Swasey Branch, 7001 Sixth Ave. Tacoma’s Main library branch reopened on Feb. 1 after a 16-month, $8.6 million renovation.
“Wheelock is our busiest location and holds much of our collection, so we know this is a disruption for patrons and we are grateful for their patience as we make these needed updates,” Bus said in a public statement. “We hope that the lobby service will help to meet some of our patrons’ needs during the closure and give them a chance to visit with staff. We encourage Wheelock patrons to visit our seven other library locations for uninterrupted access to a full range of services and programs.”
Bus told The News Tribune the Tacoma Public Library system wanted to avoid having two of its busiest locations closed concurrently, “so we planned Wheelock’s HVAC maintenance to start after Main Library reopened. “
“We also aim to have Wheelock reopen before summer, so that the building would be more comfortable and efficient during the warmer months, especially in light of the popularity of our Summer Reading Challenge program which spans from June to August,” she said. “Of course, as with any construction project, we will not know a reopening date until we are further along in the process. We will inform our patrons and community on our website, email newsletters, and social media channels when we have a firm reopening date.”
The routine HVAC maitenance work follows suit from recent HVAC updates at the Swasey and Fern Hill libraries in 2024, Bus said.
The Tacoma Public Library system doesn’t charge fines for overdue materials, according to its website. Items checked out will automatically renew three times unless there is a hold placed.
This story was originally published February 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM.
