Concept art for outdoor space. / Courtesy Richland Public Library
The Richland Public Library (RPL) Foundation Board President Alan Rither and Board Member Kassandra Stanford presented a check for $100,000 to Richland City Council on April 15. The $100,000 will go toward construction of a Children’s Reading Garden and Outdoor Amphitheater on the northwest corner of the library grounds.
On April 4, we spoke with RPL Foundation Board Member Stanford about the project and the Foundation. She said that the outdoor space would help the Foundation achieve one of their goals: to create more inclusive spaces that would welcome families from all across the community. “The reality is that we raise our kids across the Tri-Cities; we don't raise them in one city,” said Stanford. To that end, RPL Foundation has been expanding a lot of their programs — including their scholarship program — beyond Richland.
“The library is a very inclusive place, and I really love that,” Stanford said. She said that she especially loved Library Manager Christopher Nulph’s 2023 mission statement: “We want to be the hope-inspiring presence in our community where every person belongs and is supported in enjoyment, learning, and understanding.”
“That’s a beautiful mission,” Stanford said. “As a board member, I want to be part of that mission.”
Tumbleweird also conducted a phone interview on April 9 with Nulph to find out more about the new outdoor community space.
Nulph explained that this will be a phased project with groundbreaking happening as early as May. “It is a space for people to study outdoors,” said Nulph. “There's going to be a small artificial curve amphitheater out there for outdoor programming, and it will also be a space for play.”
He also said Wi-Fi will be available outside; and in phase two, a playground will be added.
Nulph explained that the RPL Foundation was a key partner for the Children’s Reading Garden. On their website, the RPL Foundation explains that this project is to turn an unused section of the library property into, “an exciting mixed-use amenity for the entire community.” Tiered seating will be built into a curved and sloping grass-covered hill facing the amphitheater stage.
Stanford said that the outdoor space will be fully fenced in, and that the Children’s Reading Garden will be accessible through a new entrance that will be added to the children’s side of the library. “[It will] create an outdoor children's space where they can host outdoor children's activities and story times,” said Stanford, “and also give the community a space to gather outside, under the trees, in nature, where you can study, have coffee, and play games with your kids.”
The RPL Foundation is currently seeking donations for the next phases of the project: richlandplf.org
The Friends of the Library, another foundation that supports programs at the library, will be purchasing additional items for the Children’s Reading Garden. You can visit them on Facebook at fb.com/friendsofrichlandpubliclibrary.
The Richland Public Library Foundation Board is looking for you!
Help us build a solid foundation to ensure a future of Richland Public Library excellence.
We believe strong libraries build strong communities. In order to continue our mission to support the Richland Public Library and its vision for the future, we are looking to add dedicated community members to our Board at the Richland Public Library Foundation.
Do you have skills in financial management, marketing and communications, education, scholarships, website development, strategic planning, community relationship building, or fundraising, and a desire to give back to your community? Then this is for you!
Express your interest by emailing us at info@richlandplf.org.
