New Cashmere Library to debut with soft opening before August celebration

CASHMERE — The new Cashmere Public Library will begin serving the community with a soft opening on July 7, allowing residents to access library services and explore the new facility ahead of a formal grand opening celebration in August.

NCW Libraries announced June 23 that the new library, located at 201 Riverside Drive in Cashmere, is ready to welcome patrons following the closure of the former library location and several weeks of moving and setup.

During the soft opening period, visitors will be able to browse collections, use public spaces, access library services and experience the new facility while staff complete final preparations for the Grand Opening Celebration planned for Saturday, Aug. 8.

"We're excited to open the doors and begin sharing this space with our community," said Lisa Lawless, Branch Librarian for the Cashmere Public Library. "This library reflects the ideas, priorities, and vision that residents shared throughout the planning process, and we're grateful for the community support that helped make it possible."

The new library features expanded seating, a redesigned children’s area focused on play and early literacy, dedicated space for tweens and teens, meeting and study rooms, accessibility improvements and flexible gathering spaces designed to support learning and community connection.

The project was a partnership between the City of Cashmere and NCW Libraries. More than 570 community members participated in public engagement efforts that helped shape the library’s design and features.

NCW Libraries is encouraging community members to visit beginning July 7 and explore the new space. Additional details about the Aug. 8 grand opening celebration will be announced in the coming weeks.

NCW Libraries serves Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Okanogan and Ferry counties through more than 30 branch locations in central Washington. The library system connects communities with resources, programs and spaces to support learning, growth and community engagement.