Building Projects

Sno-Isle Libraries is committed to creating inspiring spaces that are inviting, inclusive, and easy to use. Capital projects are a direct investment into our communities.

Each project reimagines our libraries by incorporating community input to provide welcoming libraries that support communities now and for years to come.

Current Projects
Phases to a New Library
Completed Projects

Arlington Library

Remodel and extension with full accessibility and improved energy efficiency & sustainability.

Current phase: Rough Draft

Latest news:
★ Arlington City Council approved the zoning request at their June 17 meeting.
★ Regulatory, design, and project planning is likely to consume the rest of 2024.

Learn more

First Look at the Arlington Library Remodel

Lake Stevens Library

A new library in the Chapel Hill neighborhood will better serve the growing community.

Current phase: Permits & Approvals

Latest news:
★ Look for project representatives at community events this summer to ask questions and share ideas!
★ Bidding and construction documents are being reviewed and finalized.
★ The building permit and the land use development application are in the city's review process.

Learn more

First Look at the Future Lake Stevens Library

Langley Library

Remodel of interior and exterior spaces to improve accessibility and energy efficiency while preserving the historic building.

Current phase: Construction

Latest news:
★ Valdez Construction is working on interior framing, plumbing, electrical and mechanical, including HVAC and the lift elevator.
★ Construction began Mar. 4.
★ Temporary library opened Feb. 23 in rooms 114 & 115 at South Whidbey Community Center.

Learn more

Langley Library Remodel Design

Mariner Community Campus

A campus providing residents access to a mix of activities focused on education, learning, democracy and community connection.

Current phase: Research

Latest news:
★ The 3rd annual Mariner Fest will be on Aug. 17, 2024.
★ Property has been acquired on the corner of 4th Ave W and 128th St SW for the Mariner Community Campus.
★ A property feasibility study and gathering community input are the next steps.
★ Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.

Learn more

Mariner Community Needs Assessment Report

Phases to a New Library

When will we have a new library?

While the broad steps to a remodeled or new library are largely the same, each project and community is unique. The details included in each phase offer a general idea of how long they take and some of the work happening behind the scenes during that phase.

Please contact us with specific questions.

1. Research Phase

Pre-design work sets the stage for the entire project. Each project reimagines our libraries by incorporating community input to create inspiring spaces and support local needs for years to come.

Estimated time: multiple years

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Analyze Community
Engage community to identify priorities, partners, and stakeholders
Determine zoning and building ownership
Investigate community design requirements
Search and purchase property
Analyze and prepare site
Select and contract architects
Identify library features and design concepts

Location(s) in this phase:

Mariner Library

2. Rough Draft Phase

The information gathered to this point is incorporated into the initial design. This phase will begin with very broad ideas about services and features which will be refined as we collaborate with the community. This may take multiple drafts and rounds of community outreach.

Estimated time: 6 months to 2 years.

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Development of design concept and feature elements
Iterate how desired features fit into the space
Design concept review and validation
Community and staff outreach on initial design
Cost estimating

Location(s) in this phase:

(none)

3. Design Phase

A final design is created from community feedback from the initial design. Plans are checked and double checked to ensure all plans are feasible. This phase digs into the details: mechanical systems, utilities, specifications, materials, and finishes. The cost for the desired features is evaluated and choices are made to reach our goals within budget. The vision for the physical library begins to feel real.

Estimated time: 3 months to 2 years.

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Design refinement
Material, function, sustainability, mechanical equipment determined
Furniture, finishes, and equipment
Final design approval
Cost estimates and evaluations continue

Location(s) in this phase:

Arlington Library

4. Permits & Approvals Phase

With the final design created, this phase ensures all details of the design are feasible and meet or exceed codes.

Estimated time: 3-12 months

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Clear, thorough documentation
Review of details: equipment, millwork, lighting, electrical, HVAC, wiring, cabinetry, etc.
Community permits
Regulatory work
- Site and building permit applications
- Utility permits
- Community board and committee processes. This includes working with design review boards, historical review committees, etc.

Location(s) in this phase:

Lake Stevens Library

5. Bidding & Contracting Phase

During the Bidding and Contracting Phase the Library opens a competitive request for proposals (RFP) from vendors for construction. As a public agency, Sno-Isle Libraries follows state laws regarding purchasing and contracting to ensure a fair and equitable process that provides the best value for taxpayer dollars. Learn more about our bidding processes and financial information.

Estimated time: 6 months

Activities occurring during this phase include:

A RFP is posted on the Library's vendor page of the scope of work
Appropriate vendors in the Municipal Research Service Center (MRSC) are invited to bid
Bids are reviewed
A contractor is selected
A contract agreeing to terms is signed by all parties
Creation of contingency plans in case of unexpected developments

Location(s) in this phase:

(none)

6. Construction Phase

With the visible work starting, the fun begins! The general contractor (GC) hired during the Bidding and Contracting Phase takes responsibility for the building. Sub-contractors such as electricians, carpenters, etc. will be hired by the GC. Throughout the project, the Library will have representatives working with the GC team to answer questions, weigh in on decision making, and ensure plan progress. If the library is located within a city-owned building, city representatives also collaborate.

Estimated time: 4-18 months

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Moving existing collection and furniture
Relocating library services
Demolition
Construction
Inspections throughout the process
Decorating
Moving books and computers in

Location(s) in this phase:

Langley Library

Grand Opening!

After construction is complete, books, computers and furniture are moved in, the library is given a good scrub, and the public is welcomed into an inspiring space! As the library reopens and service resumes, feedback is collected to to ensure the project goals were accomplished. There may be finishing touches, fixes, and small changes in the following months, and even years, as customers and staff learn how to utilize the new space.

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Ribbon cutting!
A big celebration!
Return to regular library service

Location(s) in this phase:

Darrington Library
Edmonds Library

Completed Projects

Edmonds Library
Darrington Library

Edmonds Library

Current phase: Open!
Catastrophic water damage sparked the remodel of the 17,000 square foot library.

Latest news:
★ Edmonds Library reopened on Jan. 13, 2024.

Edmonds Project Overview

Darrington Library

Current phase: Open!
Updates to the building have made it more accessible and sustainable while incorporating space for quiet reading, a children's area, and outdoor gathering space.

Latest news:
★ Darrington Library reopened on Sept. 30, 2023.

Darrington Project Overview

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Building Projects

Current Projects

Arlington Library

First Look at the Arlington Library Remodel

Lake Stevens Library

First Look at the Future Lake Stevens Library

Langley Library

Langley Library Remodel Design

Mariner Community Campus

Mariner Community Needs Assessment Report

Phases to a New Library

Completed Projects

Edmonds Library

Darrington Library

Library Information

Support the Library

Building Projects

Current Projects

Arlington Design Plans

Lake Stevens Library Design

Langley Library Design Plans

Mariner Community Campus Needs Assessment

Phases to a New Library

Completed Projects