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News Release
The next regular public meeting of the FVRLibraries Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, November 16, 6:00 pm, at Woodland Community Library. It will be a hybrid (in-person/online) meeting. You can view the agenda and meeting materials at https://www.fvrl.org/about/board-of-trustees/
The next regular public meeting of the FVRLibraries Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, November 16, 6:00 pm, at Woodland Community Library. It will be a hybrid (in-person/online) meeting. You can view the agenda and meeting materials at https://www.fvrl.org/about/board-of-trustees/
Washougal, Wash. — More than a century after local women established a small reading room in the back of a downtown general store, Washougal is beginning a new chapter in its library history.
On Thursday, Oct. 15, Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRLibraries), the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation (FVRL Foundation), donors, and community partners celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, 14,000-square-foot Washougal Community Library at 222 Durgan Street.
The $19.4 million project will replace the community's current 2,300-square-foot library with a modern facility offering nearly seven times the space to serve Washougal's growing population. Construction is expected to begin shortly after the groundbreaking, with the new library scheduled to open in 2028.
“We’re building something much bigger than a library. We’re creating opportunities that will change lives,” said Jennifer Giltrop, executive director, FVRLibraries. “From a child discovering a love of reading to a teen finding a place to belong, this will be a place for everyone. Today, we’re breaking ground on a place where countless new stories and community connections will begin.”
The new library will dramatically expand what’s possible for Washougal’s growing population, offering:
Dedicated spaces for children, teens and adults.
A large community room and three meeting rooms.
Expanded book collections and technology access.
Comfortable spaces for reading, studying and gathering.
An outdoor courtyard for community use.
The new library will also become part of Washougal's evolving towncenter revitalization project, complementing planned improvements, including an expanded community center, splash park, dog park, and additional public parking.
The project represents years of planning, advocacy and collaboration among FVRLibraries, the FVRL Foundation, Friends of Washougal Community Library, public partners and private donors.
Last year, voters helped make the project possible by approving FVRLibraries’ first levy lid lift in 15 years. The library also received a major boost in July 2026 with a record $6 million gift from The Endeavour Fund, the largest philanthropic investment in the FVRL Foundation's history.
“Community generosity has brought us to this exciting milestone,” said Jenny Wilkerson, executive director, FVRL Foundation. “Today, we’re launching our ‘Close the Gap’ capital campaign to raise the remaining $400,000 needed to reach our fundraising goal. This is your moment to join us and help us cross the finish line.”
Designed by Hacker Architects with input from community members and library partners, the new building will reflect Washougal's identity and connection to the surrounding natural landscape and rivers.
“The design of this library grew directly from conversations with the Washougal community,” said Laura Klinger of Hacker Architects. “From its welcoming spaces and connections to nature to the ways it honors local history and culture, every element reflects the community’s priorities. We’re honored to help create a destination in the heart of downtown that will contribute to a thriving Washougal.”
For more information about the new Washougal Community Library, including project updates and opportunities to support the fundraising campaign, visit www.fvrl.org/NewWashougalLibrary.
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Washougal, Wash. — More than a century after local women established a small reading room in the back of a downtown general store, Washougal is beginning a new chapter in its library history.
On Thursday, Oct. 15, Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRLibraries), the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation (FVRL Foundation), donors, and community partners celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, 14,000-square-foot Washougal Community Library at 222 Durgan Street.
The $19.4 million project will replace the community's current 2,300-square-foot library with a modern facility offering nearly seven times the space to serve Washougal's growing population. Construction is expected to begin shortly after the groundbreaking, with the new library scheduled to open in 2028.
“We’re building something much bigger than a library. We’re creating opportunities that will change lives,” said Jennifer Giltrop, executive director, FVRLibraries. “From a child discovering a love of reading to a teen finding a place to belong, this will be a place for everyone. Today, we’re breaking ground on a place where countless new stories and community connections will begin.”
The new library will dramatically expand what’s possible for Washougal’s growing population, offering:
Dedicated spaces for children, teens and adults.
A large community room and three meeting rooms.
Expanded book collections and technology access.
Comfortable spaces for reading, studying and gathering.
An outdoor courtyard for community use.
The new library will also become part of Washougal's evolving towncenter revitalization project, complementing planned improvements, including an expanded community center, splash park, dog park, and additional public parking.
The project represents years of planning, advocacy and collaboration among FVRLibraries, the FVRL Foundation, Friends of Washougal Community Library, public partners and private donors.
Last year, voters helped make the project possible by approving FVRLibraries’ first levy lid lift in 15 years. The library also received a major boost in July 2026 with a record $6 million gift from The Endeavour Fund, the largest philanthropic investment in the FVRL Foundation's history.
“Community generosity has brought us to this exciting milestone,” said Jenny Wilkerson, executive director, FVRL Foundation. “Today, we’re launching our ‘Close the Gap’ capital campaign to raise the remaining $400,000 needed to reach our fundraising goal. This is your moment to join us and help us cross the finish line.”
Designed by Hacker Architects with input from community members and library partners, the new building will reflect Washougal's identity and connection to the surrounding natural landscape and rivers.
“The design of this library grew directly from conversations with the Washougal community,” said Laura Klinger of Hacker Architects. “From its welcoming spaces and connections to nature to the ways it honors local history and culture, every element reflects the community’s priorities. We’re honored to help create a destination in the heart of downtown that will contribute to a thriving Washougal.”
For more information about the new Washougal Community Library, including project updates and opportunities to support the fundraising campaign, visit www.fvrl.org/NewWashougalLibrary.
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The next regular public meeting of the FVRLibraries Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026 at Battle Ground Community Library. It will be a hybrid (in-person/online) meeting. Agenda
You can view the agenda and meeting materials at fvrl.org/about/board-of-trustees
The next regular public meeting of the FVRLibraries Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026 at Battle Ground Community Library. It will be a hybrid (in-person/online) meeting. Agenda
You can view the agenda and meeting materials at fvrl.org/about/board-of-trustees
Vancouver, Wash.—On October 6, a sold-out crowd of more than 700 library lovers filled the Vancouver Hilton to celebrate 35 years of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation (FVRLFoundation). The event raised a record-breaking more than $370,000 for the programs, collections, and spaces that make Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries such welcoming places across Southwest Washington.
“We’re grateful to everyone who gives their time, resources, and voices so that neighbors across our region can find opportunity at their library,” said Jennifer Giltrop, executive director of Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries. “Thank you to the Foundation and all our supporters for believing in our libraries and helping us make more possible.”
Foundation support puts summer reading books into children’s hands, helps families build reading skills together through Reading in Action, and brings neighbors together for Community Reads discussions and author events. Donations also expand access to books, digital resources and the Library of Things, and help fund welcoming spaces such as the new Washougal Community Library, opening 2028.
The evening was a celebration of stories and the people who love them. Guests bid on silent auction items, heard from featured author and illustrator Amy Tan, and lined up afterward to have their books signed and take photos with her.
The Foundation thanks:
Amy Tan, for sharing her inspiring stories.
Sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Columbia Credit Union, whose continued support made the evening possible.
Volunteers, who generously gave their time to make the night special.
Event partners, including the Vancouver Hilton, Encore A/V Production, and Simple Pleasures Events, whose expertise brought the evening together.
Those who were not able to attend Authors & Illustrators, but would still like to be part of the FVRL Foundation’s milestone year, can learn more or make a gift at fvrlfoundation.org.
Vancouver, Wash.—On October 6, a sold-out crowd of more than 700 library lovers filled the Vancouver Hilton to celebrate 35 years of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation (FVRLFoundation). The event raised a record-breaking more than $370,000 for the programs, collections, and spaces that make Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries such welcoming places across Southwest Washington.
“We’re grateful to everyone who gives their time, resources, and voices so that neighbors across our region can find opportunity at their library,” said Jennifer Giltrop, executive director of Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries. “Thank you to the Foundation and all our supporters for believing in our libraries and helping us make more possible.”
Foundation support puts summer reading books into children’s hands, helps families build reading skills together through Reading in Action, and brings neighbors together for Community Reads discussions and author events. Donations also expand access to books, digital resources and the Library of Things, and help fund welcoming spaces such as the new Washougal Community Library, opening 2028.
The evening was a celebration of stories and the people who love them. Guests bid on silent auction items, heard from featured author and illustrator Amy Tan, and lined up afterward to have their books signed and take photos with her.
The Foundation thanks:
Amy Tan, for sharing her inspiring stories.
Sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Columbia Credit Union, whose continued support made the evening possible.
Volunteers, who generously gave their time to make the night special.
Event partners, including the Vancouver Hilton, Encore A/V Production, and Simple Pleasures Events, whose expertise brought the evening together.
Those who were not able to attend Authors & Illustrators, but would still like to be part of the FVRL Foundation’s milestone year, can learn more or make a gift at fvrlfoundation.org.