Since its completion in 1992, the four-story, 117,000 square foot Downtown Library has experienced significant changes in use amid a revitalization and growth of downtown Spokane. Today, the library serves as a regional destination for materials and programs, local research, art exhibitions, and special programs including Community Court and Lilac City Live, a monthly variety show.

The Downtown Library renovation recaptured the ground floor (previously used for storage and office functions) for public use, activating the building’s storefront and connecting pedestrians, through an indoor “CoLab” promenade, to a plaza overlooking Spokane Falls. Ground floor functions also include program rooms, a computer lab, lounge and gathering spaces, and a café. Upper floors support collections, a large, dynamic children’s space, group study and conference rooms, local archives, a recording studio, and the Lens performance space.