Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Remodeled Connell Library to Open February 10; Grand Reopening Ceremony Planned for March 19

After a months-long interior remodel, Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Connell Branch will open to the public on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 2 pm with a new look, expanded collection, and new hours. A ribbon cutting and grand reopening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, March 19 at 10:30 am.

In addition to new carpet, paint, shelving, and light fixtures, the remodeled library showcases a 3D custom sculpted juvenile saber-tooth cat, icebergs, and fish in the children’s area. There are colorful images of popular authors and inspirational quotes on the walls. A historic photo mural featuring the Connell community and surrounding farming area is complemented by a map of the Ice Age floods in the Pacific Northwest; a restored, 1940s-era Columbia Basin Irrigation Project map; and an 1894 map showing the distribution of the tribes of the Upper Columbia Region in Washington, Oregon and Idaho with an accompanying Native lands acknowledgement.

Other improvements include an ADA-compliant entryway and computing station, eight public computers, USB charging stations inside and outside the branch, additional books and materials, and new picnic table seating behind the branch, as well as a new, branded exterior library sign on the front of the building.

The library, located at 118 N. Columbia Ave. in Connell, will be open slightly different hours than previously. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 2 to 7 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.

The Connell library, led by Community Library Supervisor Helen Tobin, is the latest of Mid-Columbia Libraries’ 12 branches to be remodeled; the last remodel was completed in 2019 at the West Richland branch. Mid-Columbia Libraries (MCL) is investing approximately $300,000 for the entire Connell project, including $17,000 worth of new books and materials added to the collection.

The library has served Connell residents since Nov. 23, 1965, when the branch opened in the Welch building on Columbia Ave., where it operated for 28 years. The new library building opened in December of 1993. MCL operates the branch in partnership with City of Connell.

More details about the project can be found at midcolumbialibraries.org/frequently-asked-questions-connell-library-remodel.