Drake Learning Center Construction

This summer, the city will have a second large meeting room for community events and a unique makerspace for STEM instruction!

The Drake Learning Center is a distinctive space that offers two functions:

• a versatile, 50-person event space equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support community events and innovative library programming for all ages, and 
• an innovative library makerspace designed to engage Cornelius youth in programs that promote critical math and science skills essential for student success.

Funding for the project comes from several grants and donations including:

• City of Cornelius, Federal American Recovery Plan Act
• Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), administered by the State Library of Oregon
• The Cornelius Library Foundation
• The Friends of the Cornelius Library
• an Encore Fellowship sponsored by Intel and SVP,
• and many local community donations.  

Construction is planned from February 2024 through July 2024. The 2,700 square foot space is within the Cornelius Place building, but has remained unfinished since it's opening in 2019.

This community and learning space is named in honor of Rob Drake, former Cornelius City Manager and the driving force behind many successful community initiatives in Cornelius. In 2019, Drakes robust efforts garnered the City of Cornelius the prestigious All-America City award for successfully addressing local issues to improve civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation.

During construction, there will be some disruptions from noise and construction activity in and around the building. The small-group study rooms and the Westerling Board room will be closed during this time. We apologize for this inconvenience.

For more information or to discuss ways you can contribute, please contact the Library Director at 503-357-4093 or cornelius@wccls.org