This is a petition in opposition to the Carnegie Whiskey Library. 

The Carnegie Library in Olympia is more than just a building. It is a piece of our city’s history and helped create a legacy of public access to knowledge. Built with funds from Andrew Carnegie and the Women’s Club of Olympia, it was created on the principle that information, culture, and community space should be freely accessible to all people, regardless of age or background. Turning this historic site into a whiskey library not only excludes those under 21 but also disregards the spirit in which the library was originally built.

For many residents, including myself, this space has always symbolized Olympia, history, and opportunity. Blocking public access in favor of this establishment undermines hopes for Olympia to be a city that preserves and fosters shared cultural spaces for everyone. Olympia has plenty of restaurants and bars (41 just downtown), but we only have one historic Carnegie Library. This building should be preserved and used in a way that welcomes everyone, honors its origins as the city’s first public library, and keeps alive the spirit of knowledge and inclusion that shaped our community.

I am calling on the City of Olympia, local leaders, the organizations tied to this project, and especially regular citizens like me to reject the prospect of a whiskey library and pursue a vision that aligns with the building’s legacy, whether as a museum, cultural center, community space, or educational site. Every signature matters, and together we can ensure this historic landmark remains a place for all people, not just a privileged few.

Sign today to help protect Olympia’s Carnegie Library as a true public space.