Bellevue Public Library Celebrates One Year in New Location

One year after opening its new building, the Bellevue Public Library is celebrating a successful first year, marked by record-breaking attendance, expanded services, and enthusiastic community feedback.

The library officially reopened on October 7, 2024, after relocating from its longtime site, which had been in use for nearly 50 years. Since then, library visits have surged. In the past year, 146,611 people visited the new location—an increase of 19,000 compared to the prior year. The library’s busiest day was opening day itself, when 1,195 people walked through its doors.

High attendance continued through the summer, with more than 15,000 visitors in June and nearly 17,000 in July. During those two months alone, patrons checked out over 54,000 items, registered more than 800 new library cards, and placed more than 8,000 holds.

Library Director Julie Dinville said the library’s redesigned spaces have been especially popular. “The new study rooms are in nearly constant demand, and our makerspace saw more than twice the usage of the previous year,” she noted. Dedicated Teen and Children’s areas—including cozy reading nooks—have become community favorites, while the natural-light adult reading area offers a quiet retreat. A large aquarium, donated by community members in memory of Edward Lachowicz, has also become a beloved feature for visitors of all ages.”

The move has also expanded the library’s ability to serve the public. A new Youth Services desk, additional self-check kiosks with RFID technology, more study rooms, and flexible meeting spaces allow patrons to use the library in ways not possible before. “Staff now have better collaborative spaces to plan programs, while patrons have more options for how they want to spend their time here,” Dinville said.

Circulation numbers reflect the boost in usage: physical checkouts increased by more than 17,000, while digital borrowing grew by nearly 9,000 uses compared to the previous year. Programs have also thrived, including the spring Adult Library Program and the popular Summer Library Programs, both of which drew record participation.

Technology improvements were another highlight of the move. The library added more computers, expanded Wi-Fi access, introduced iPads in the Children’s area, improved wireless printing, and grew its makerspace equipment. Security and safety enhancements were also built into the design.

Dinville acknowledged that the first year brought a learning curve as staff and patrons adjusted to the new layout, but no major challenges arose. “Overall, the move and the first year in the new building have been a success for the library,” she said. “Staff and patrons seem much more comfortable now and enjoy the new features.”

Looking ahead, priorities for the coming year include expanding the makerspace, growing the public computer lab, updating the online library app, and further developing the outdoor patio for year-round use.

Dinville credits the library’s success to strong community support. “The City of Bellevue, the Bellevue Library Foundation, the Library Advisory Board, the Friends of the Bellevue Public Library, and so many community members helped make this move possible. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this project.”

As the Bellevue Public Library marks its first anniversary at the new site, the numbers—and the stories behind them—show a thriving hub for learning, creativity, and community connection.