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Sno‑Isle officials tell Mill Creek council library use is high; managers cite space constraints and ask to return with strategic plan
Summary
Sno‑Isle executive director and the new Mill Creek library manager told council that Mill Creek Library is among the system's busiest by circulation despite a relatively small footprint, described programs that support teens and families, and asked to return with a system strategic plan in 2026 to address growth and space needs.
Sno‑Isle Libraries executive director Eric Howard and Mill Creek Library manager Cass Mabbit briefed Mill Creek City Council on Oct. 28 about heavy usage at the local branch and the system's work to respond to population growth.
Howard highlighted systemwide trends and Mill Creek-specific figures, noting substantial growth in digital circulation and continued high demand for physical items and meeting/study space. "We have more and more people on their commute listening to our books in their car than are reading print items," he said, and added that Mill Creek ranks in the top three libraries in the 23‑branch Sno‑Isle system for circulation despite having one of the smaller physical footprints.
Cass Mabbit, Mill Creek Library manager, said the branch circulates particularly high volumes of children's materials and runs a wide variety of programs: story times, teen advisory and maker programs, senior art classes, a "Paws with a Cause" dog painting program to benefit local shelters, legal clinics, book groups, and family summer‑reading activities. She told council the Mill Creek staff of 29 supported nearly 420,000 physical item circulations in 2023 and about 269,878 items in 2024, noting the 2024 figure was lower because the branch closed for a refresh from June through August.
Howard and Mabbit emphasized the library's noncollection services—study space, program rooms, and informal "living room" functions for teens and adults—and asked to return in 2026 when Sno‑Isle will be conducting a strategic‑planning process that could better address space and service needs. Howard cited research presented to library directors on teen resiliency and said libraries function as "places of hope," offering safe spaces, caring adults and prosocial activities.
Council members praised the branch and said they hoped future city facilities (including a proposed civic center) could provide additional space for library programs. Councilmember Duque and others recounted personal anecdotes about the library's role as an everyday community hub.
No policy action was required. Sno‑Isle officials said they will keep communication open with the city and have offered to return during the 2026 strategic‑planning process.
