Project of the Week: Ferndale Public Library

By JOURNAL STAFF

Whatcom County Library System has opened the 15,000-square-foot, $4.7 million Ferndale Public Library Branch.

The library’s new home is at 2125 Main St., close to downtown retail and restaurants.

Mount Baker is framed as a backdrop for story time, book clubs and the annual Ferndale Poetry Festival in the community room, designed to accommodate 80.

Along the south wall, the neighboring Schell Marsh provides a tranquil setting to enjoy a new book or a quiet moment.

The design maximizes daylight through windows and skylights. Four large, south-facing roof monitors provide natural light and ventilation.

The building’s simple form and western red cedar siding were used to honor the character of agricultural buildings in the Nooksack River Valley.

Owner: Whatcom County Library System, with Whatcom Community Foundation, city of Ferndale and Friends of Ferndale Library
Architect: SHKS Architects
General contractor: Faber Construction
Civil engineer: 2020 Engineering
Structural engineer: Swenson Say Faget
Mechanical engineers: Greenbusch Group
Electrical engineers: Travis Fitzmaurice
Lighting design: David Butler
Specifications: Cite Specific
Cost consultant: Haley Consulting Group