The North Mason Timberland Library in Belfair reopened this week after a three-month interior refresh. After touring the building today, my main comment is that I’m glad it’s open again even if the weekly hours took a hit.
The photo of the vintage Belfair Branch library sign is included just for fun and has nothing to do with the interior refresh. It was displayed in the library for a few months a couple of years ago. None of the staff knew much about it, just that it had been found in a shed or garage. My guess is that it dates to the 1960’s, well before the five-county Timberland Library system was formed.
According to a library press release, the refresh work focused on improvements designed to enhance the patron experience, including updated paint, flooring, and furniture, a refreshed layout to improve flow and functionality, and a reimagined children’s area creating a more welcoming and comfortable space for the Belfair community.
I agree that those things were done and that the project stayed on schedule. Give credit to the contractor(s) and library staff for that. Was it worth the $100K that was spent on them? That’s a question the community would need to answer. The library will be there for a long time (I hope), so it’s good to get any needed refresh work done now.
Is it more welcoming and comfortable to me personally? Not really. But that’s because it was going to be tough to improve on my experiences there. The North Mason Timberland Library branch, with its cathedral ceilings, wood beams, reading nooks, spacious layout, and huge windows, was already my favorite building in Belfair. It is bordered by a green belt, and I always feel so cozy there on winter days as I read the paper and watch the rain dripping from nearby trees. On hot summer days the library has a different attraction—the best air conditioning around plus several places where you can park your car in the shade.
One thing that didn’t change is the staff. They have helped me with so many things from doing research to showing me how to use the color printer. It was good to see them back where they have lots of customers to serve. I feared they might die of boredom while the library operated out of its temporary location in the Mason Transit building during the refresh. Despite offering a range of services, only a few patrons went there.
Unfortunately, due to budget issues, some of the Timberland Library branches have been hit with reduced hours. In North Mason’s case, the reduction means it will now be open only four days a week instead of five. The timing couldn’t be worse. Just as the library is back in service with interior improvements after being closed for three months, patrons will no longer be able to use the building on Thursdays. For such a beautiful branch, that’s a shame. Hopefully, voters will pass a future levy that will fund additional staff time.
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