New developments have emerged in Sno-Isle Libraries’ long-standing effort to build a new, larger library to serve the Lake Stevens community.
Work on a permanent Lake Stevens Library moves forward
Sno-Isle Libraries has secured $3.1 million in state grants, with the support of State Sen. John Lovick, to fund an early learning-focused public library. Building on this funding foundation, Sno-Isle is prepared to begin site preparations this year, while continuing to pursue the remaining funding needed to construct a new library.
Sno-Isle Libraries is approaching the process of funding capital projects in a different way than in the past. The focus is to secure funding from a combination of sources – grant funding, capital campaigns, regular levy funds - with reduced reliance on a capital bond election. The priority this year is to secure the remaining funding needed to construct a new, larger library on the property owned by the district in the Chapel Hill neighborhood.
Community input will continue to be central to the process for this project, and the library looks forward to this ongoing conversation with the Lake Stevens community.
Potential Civic Center Campus Partnership
Sno-Isle Libraries participated in good faith in a joint exploratory process with the City of Lake Stevens to evaluate the feasibility of a Civic Center Campus. Sno-Isle Libraries has been interested in continuing the partnership with the city to develop a Civic Center Campus concept.
With state grant funding secured, that needs to be used on a 2021-23 timeline, the library is moving forward with development now.
City of Lake Stevens
The City of Lake Stevens has released a survey to city residents with a proposal to de-annex from Sno-Isle Libraries and to pay to privatize library services in the city. Any attempt to de-annex involves the Lake Stevens City Council submitting a resolution for a measure to be placed on the general election ballot. This is new information, and we are reviewing the city’s statement. Sno-Isle Libraries’ intent is to continue serving the Lake Stevens community.
Moving Forward
Sno-Isle Libraries is moving forward on a path to achieve the long-standing community goal of constructing a new, larger library. We look forward to working with library customers, the Lake Stevens community, the city, state and federal governments and public agencies, and other civic and community partners in the coming year to fully realize this goal.
