Old Westfield library to get new life

By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com

Leaders from Westfield Washington Schools (WWS) welcomed teachers, students, and community members to a ceremonial groundbreaking on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at what will be called Shamrock Station.

Directly across Hoover Street from Westfield High School and next door to Westfield Middle School in the previous Westfield Washington Public Library building, Shamrock Station will be a space designed to help Westfield students meet the goal of becoming “life-ready.”

The updated and expanded facility will allow WHS students to gain hands-on career training in areas like culinary arts and entrepreneurship. It will also become the new home for Shamrock Connections, a transition program providing exceptional learners ages 18 to 22 with vocational, social, and independent living skills.

“We need a bigger space,” Shamrock Connections student Austin Cole said.

Cole was one of a handful of people who spoke to the crowd of around 50.

“It’s going to bring so many more opportunities for our students,” Shamrock Connections teacher Taylor Woolsey said. “It’s going to feel like a college to them, and that’s what they deserve – to get a change of scenery and be proud of where they’re at.”

The proximity of Shamrock Connections to programs like Foodies Rock and the Rock Shop will allow a greater opportunity for collaboration. Foodies Rock serves as the catering arm of the WHS culinary program, and the Rock Shop offers a student-run Westfield merchandise and apparel store. In addition, the new venue will allow community access to catering services and spirit wear purchases.

“We’re really blessed that we are able to tie culinary arts and career readiness into our community,” said Chef Nikki Heflin, WHS family and consumer science teacher. “This is a model program of what can happen and what we can achieve when a school board, a community, educators, students, and parents all come together and rally behind these students for the betterment of their education.”

On top of creating two kitchens, an addition to the north and west of the current building will incorporate an event space for up to 200 people. The plan is that it will provide another locale for community members, organizations, and businesses to hold events and utilize the catering services of Foodies Rock. There is even talk that there may be grab-and-go options available.

Alongside Shamrock Connections, Foodies Rock, and the Rock Shop, Rocks Media House will have a content creation and recording studio in the renovated facility.

“It’s a really unique project in that we have different end users,” said Winifrid Williams, partner with krM Architecture. “It’s not just one program.”

WWS Director of Exceptional Learners Dr. Lindsay Tomamichel worked closely with krM and with KBSO Consulting to develop a plan for the building that will meet all the various needs.

“We’re trying to be good stewards and use what’s there, but it’s going to be so different,” Williams said. “We’re adding a brand-new entryway and really giving it a new facade.”

Both WWS School Board President Amber Willis and Superintendent Dr. Paul Kaiser shared memories of the former library. Willis said she remembers going as a kindergartener to get her first library card. Kaiser recalls his daughters as children filling their backpacks with books.

“We’re going to continue that for our children with future educational opportunities in our community,” Kaiser said. “[The facility] is going to serve kids from now moving forward.”