Armed with a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and an equal amount pledged by the city, the Downtown Bremerton branch of Kitsap Regional Library is about to begin the work of restoring its unique Art Deco style building.

Restoration will include many needed repairs and the construction of new restroom facilities accessible from inside the library. The building will also be brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Friends of the Library applied for and received the Gates grant, contingent upon the community raising enough money to complete the project —approximately $300,000. Fundraising got underway with a kick-off event at the Amy Burnett Gallery on Feb. 10 that featured the work of local artist, Augusta Asberry.

For information or to make a donation, call (360) 377-3955 or visit http://library.bremerton.wa.us.