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Lacamas Life Magazine
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Bricks of Enlightenment For centuries, the image of light has been used to portray learning. Whether in art, or architecture, the use of light speaks volumes and reminds us of mankind’s ongoing journey towards enlightenment; something the architectural firm Fletcher, Farr, and Ayotte were obviously aware when, in 2002, they began the remodel of Camas Public Library. No matter which door you enter, you will find yourself awash with that particular sense of illumination as light spills through second story skylights and reflects throughout the building: even on a cloudy day. This beautiful structure, however, had humble beginnings. The idea of creating a public library came from the Camas Women’s Club in 1922. Initially, each woman purchased three books for her own reading, then either sold the books for a library fund, or donated the books towards what would become the library. By 1923 they had a grand total of 150 volumes and began operating out of a space located in Thayer’s Drugstore. In 1924 they moved to the old city hall, and in 1926 the city allocated $250 for books and another $150 for maintenance. By 1928 library membership was up to 500. And in 1939 construction on a new city hall/library began, opening in 1940, with space for City Hall, the Fire Department, and the Library. The Camas Public Library of today is still rooted in that original building. By 1975 separate facilities had been built for City Hall and the Fire Department, leaving the Library to occupy part of the main floor and the basement of the old Georgian style building, which had been partially vacant for seven years due to lack of city funds. In 1975 a remodel and expansion was done, maintaining the architectural style, and the Library took over the whole building. It continued to grow and expand, until 1985, when a library consultant from the state did a survey and informed them that the space was no longer adequate. In the early 1990’s a Bond issue was presented to remodel and expand the building, returning it to its original multi-purpose use: Police, City, and Library. But the Bond failed due to citizens desire to maintain the Library as its own entity, and not join it with other facilities. A long-term plan was then initiated, and in 1998 feasibility studies began which reviewed in depth just what sort of space the City of Camas wanted for their Library. Citizen comments were encouraged. David Zavortink, Library Director since 1995, recalls some very specific requests by citizens. One of the reasons City Hall insisted they remodel the old structure and keep the Library downtown was because the building was so very loved by the people. Citizens wanted to maintain quiet study areas, as well as open areas. They wanted a separate room for young adults, a children’s room, and a story time room. They wanted a place that would be like the City’s living room, with thought going towards varying activities: music, study groups, readings, art, and even a fireplace with a cozy chair to rest your weary bones and read when the day is just a little too gray. In March of 2000 a Bond was passed - creating the 7.96 million required for the renovation and expansion – beginning a process that was many years in the making. In September of 2001 the library moved to the Camas National Guard Armory, where it remained for the next year and a half. Construction started in January of 2002, and the Grand opening was May of 2003. If you haven’t been to the Camas Public Library I urge you to do so. The architectural firm, Fletcher, Farr, and Ayotte, have done a masterful job of maintaining the old building within the new. As you enter and approach the reference desk you will notice that one interior wall is brick: this was the outside wall of the original building. Two story cathedral ceilings, framed with skylights, span the entry, and connect the old and new structures. The former entry area for fire trucks is now the garden room in the children’s library. There are quiet study areas on both floors. And if you walk to the far end of the adult fiction room you will find wonderful stuffed chairs in front of…yes…a fireplace. As society evolves so do new ways to learn and access information: thus, the internet. Camas Public Library’s original inventory of 150 volumes has now grown to approximately 75,000 volumes, 26 computers, DVD’s, and audio books. The library has access to many programs, including about 1500, full text, magazine and newspapers on line. And if you feel challenged by computer or internet use, there are trained staff to help you. Information, once confined to books, has ripped open the seams. Camas Public Library, a storehouse of information, is continually adapting so it can help us learn not only how to access that information, but also to determine the validity of the source. Camas Public Library has continued to expand all programs, including but not limited to, teenage and adult reading groups, gardening series, and interior design classes. The bi-monthly newsletter is a good place to look for upcoming events: One of those events is held upstairs in what is known as The Second Story Gallery. The Gallery has been hosting monthly art shows since March of this year, focusing on local artists. Opening night is on First Friday, 6:00 till 8:00 pm, and runs the duration of the month. On November 3, the Second Story Gallery is excited to be showcasing Jason Macaya. Jason, now a Los Angeles artist, spent some of his early years in the Northwest and still comes home regularly to visit his family, who reside in Camas. Working with acrylic, ink, and photographs, Jason creates canvases that appear to glow from the inside and visually break apart like stained glass. Jason will be present at the opening, and is looking forward to his first show in Camas. All art is for sale. According to Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings - an annual assessment of the nations top libraries – Camas Public Library is in the top percentile of libraries of similar size, in the state of Washington. Library personnel are continuing to encourage citizen’s comments on ways to improve, and are delighted to report that the previous count of 180,000 items checked out per year has grown – since the opening of the new building – to 290,000 items per year. And more and more people are trickling in, just to look around. So whether helping with your children’s homework, doing research, or just taking a pause from a harried day, take a moment and look round. Camas Public Library is full of history, information, and enough light to illuminate your day.
Camas Public Library Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am -
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