OLYMPIA – A bill allowing public libraries in community centers was signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson Tuesday, affirming an arrangement that has served the city of Castle Rock for the last 12 years.

Senate Bill 5365, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, clarifies state law to allow parks and recreation districts to pay for community centers, and allows libraries to be housed within them. The arrangement gives communities more flexibility in financing public libraries.

“This is a way for smaller cities to share space and be more effective in the way they use local resources,” Wilson said. “We wanted to make sure there is no question that this is permissible.”

Wilson said the bill was intended to bring certainty to the city of Castle Rock, but it will have an effect on communities across the state. Wilson noted that this year’s capital budget provides a $1.5 million contribution toward an $18 million low-income housing project for the city of Kelso including a community center and a library. Wilson said the bill will enable similar projects statewide while eliminating any doubt about legality.