The Woodland Community Library project represents a transformative step forward for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District and the growing community it serves. With a new site already acquired and a strong foundation of community engagement, the design team was tasked with exploring the full potential of the location and creating a beautiful, practical, and inclusive library that would meet the evolving needs of Woodland’s residents.

The project’s big idea was centered on creating a flexible, future-ready facility that would serve as both a learning hub and a community anchor. The design embraces the natural beauty of the 2.42-acre site, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces to foster a seamless connection between people, place, and purpose. The library is strategically located near a public park and lake, allowing the design to extend beyond the building’s walls and into the landscape. Outdoor gathering areas and learning gardens support environmental education, community events, and informal interaction, reinforcing the library’s role as a civic common.

Indoor spaces were designed with adaptability and inclusiveness in mind. The layout supports a wide range of uses and age groups, from early literacy programs and teen study zones to adult reading areas and multipurpose meeting rooms. Open, light-filled interiors with movable furnishings allow the library to evolve with the community’s needs. The original 12,000-square-foot concept was thoughtfully refined to a more efficient 7,560-square-foot footprint, balancing functionality with fiscal responsibility while preserving the core programmatic goals.

Design: Hacker
Design Team: David Keltner, Laura Klinger, Kirsten Heming, Amelie Reynaud, Van Stanek, Nicolas Pectol, Katie Reinhart, Tyler Nishitani, Marissa Jordan Sant, Lewis Williams, Sarah Weber, and Charles Dorn
Contractor: Bremik Construction
Photography: Lara Swimmer