May 13, 2026, marks the 60th anniversary of the grand opening of the Downtown Reno Library. A gift from the Max C. Fleischmann Foundation to the people of Washoe County, this architectural gem now serves as the urban hub of the 12-branch library system. Designed by architect Hewitt C. Wells, the 43,000-square-foot building boasts skylights, an auditorium, a fountain feature in the lower level pond, and elevated pod-like seating amid a jungle of plants.
Branch Manager Kristen Ryan shares, “The original site for this library was going to be at Riverside Park, now called Barbara Bennett Park. That location was controversial in the ‘60s. Some members of the public worried the library would take a lot of the park acreage. One individual in particular was adamant about not losing the tennis courts. There were also concerns about flooding because of how close the site was to the river. After all that controversy, and amid fears that funding from the Max C. Fleischmann Foundation of Nevada could be lost, the decision was made in 1964 to build at the current location. The architect, Hewitt C. Wells, believed the library belonged in a park. He envisioned a serene, quiet setting where people could enjoy reading, and when he couldn’t get the library in a park, he brought the park into the library.”
In addition to being recognized for its plant life, the Downtown Reno Library has also received numerous awards for its unique architecture, including being voted the library with the “coolest interior space.” It is listed on the Reno Register of Historic Places and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.
To mark the 60th anniversary celebration, the library is planning a full series of events aimed at all ages. According to Ryan, “We’re offering bomb shelter tours to anyone 18 and older, and we’ll host several ’60s-themed activities, like Story Times and book displays.”
The community is also invited to join in the fun on Saturday, May 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. to celebrate with 60 Years of Stories, an evening of history, film, and community connection.
The evening’s festivities will include bomb shelter tours for ages 18 and up and a screening and panel discussion of the award-winning documentary, “A Black Springs Homecoming: Finding History,” produced by Nevada Humanities and directed by Tsanavi Spoonhunter. The community will also have an opportunity to meet new Library Director Lisa McClure, who began her tenure with Washoe County Library System on April 20.
For more information about the historic branch and the full schedule of events, please visit washoelibrary.org/downtownreno.
