TRUCKEE, Calif. The dream of a new Truckee Regional Library is quickly becoming a reality, thanks to an outpouring of community support and dedicated collaboration. Reflecting on the year’s progress, April Cole, Executive Director of Friends of the Truckee Library, emphasized the spirit of teamwork driving the project.

“It is the definition of the Truckee way. You do it through groups of people working together,” Cole said. “We couldn’t do it without remarkable partners finding a way to ‘yes.'”

The journey to create a new library is a multi-year effort requiring commitment, creativity, and community engagement. In 2024, the LibraryUP campaign saw significant achievements that turned the dream into actionable steps.

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The campaign began with the motto “Imagine the Possibilities,” inviting residents to envision a space that serves everyone—expanded children’s areas, cozy reading spaces, makerspaces, and technology hubs for teens. The community responded enthusiastically, with nearly 4,000 participants sharing their ideas through surveys. As a result, the library’s design was heavily influenced by community input, underscoring the importance of books, arts, culture, and creating a welcoming space for all. 

“I hope that the community sees themselves in the space,” Cole said. 

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Key milestones in 2024 included:

• Formation of the Truckee Library Joint Powers Authority (JPA): Nevada County, the Town of Truckee, and Placer County partnered to oversee the library’s development.
• Advisory Task Force Launch: Over 20 community organizations came together to guide and champion the project.
• Securing $270,000 in Grants:
  • $150,000 from the Truckee Tahoe Airport District
  • $50,000 from the Martis Camp Foundation
  • $50,000 from the Southwest Gas Foundation
  • $10,000 from Tahoe Donner Giving Fund
  • $10,000 from the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation
• Site Finalization: The library will be located near the farmer’s market parking lot, across from 7-Eleven. The Truckee Donner Public Utilities District, Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District, and JPA worked together to secure this site.
• Architectural Team Selection: JKAE and Group4 were chosen to bring the community’s vision to life.
• Community Engagement: Input from thousands of residents ensured the library’s design reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.

Cole highlighted the importance of listening to the community throughout the process. “We need to understand, not make assumptions, about what the community wants,” she said.

In another major achievement, Friends of the Truckee Library met their $100,000 matching grant goal, raising over $103,000 by the end of 2024. This success doubles the impact of every dollar donated. 

On Jan. 14, the library’s new design will be unveiled during a presentation to the Truckee Town Council and shared in the Friends of the Truckee Library newsletter.

To mark this milestone, the Friends of the Truckee Library have adopted a refreshed logo and tagline: LibraryUP—Great Communities Build Great Libraries.

“This transformation is possible because of you—your support, engagement, and belief in our shared vision,” Cole said. “Together, we’re creating more than a building; we’re crafting a space that fosters connection, inclusivity, and resilience.”

With flexible, community-driven design and a focus on sustainability, the new Truckee Regional Library is set to be a cornerstone of the community—a space where everyone can feel welcome, inspired, and proud.

Zoe Meyer is a reporter for the Sierra Sun, a sister publication for Tahoe Daily Tribune. She can be reached at zmeyer@sierrasun.com.