Sno Isle: Lake Stevens new library on track, staff outline programming, collection request process

Sno Isle Libraries staff told the Lake Stevens Library Board on Oct. 16 that construction of the new Lake Stevens Library is on schedule and that programming and collection services will expand with the new two-story facility.

"A lot of the progress over the last two, three months has been happening below the fence line," Esmerald Morales Tanner, Lake Stevens library manager, said, describing recent wetland restoration, earth-moving and a poured concrete slab. She said structural elements such as cross-laminated timber are being prefabricated off-site and "these prefabricated pieces are going to arrive, which means that things will go up very quickly." Staff described the move-in work—IT, furniture, shelving and cataloging—that must occur after construction finishes and noted that the grand opening window is estimated by staff for the next summer but that the city-referenced effective opening year in the city proposal was 2026.

Eric Howard, executive director of Sno Isle Libraries, described how collection decisions are made and how patrons can have input: a system-wide collection development policy is set by Sno Isle trustees and staff, and patrons can request purchases, search the shared catalog across 23 libraries, or use interlibrary loan. "Our main goal is to make sure that you have the books that you want," Howard said. He also encouraged board members to participate in the Sno Isle strategic planning process beginning in 2026.

Staff highlighted recent and upcoming programs and services that will expand with the new facility: outreach at Lake Stevens High School (increased from once a month to twice); growing tabletop role-playing (Dungeons & Dragons) programs for teens and adults; a NASA ambassador program planned Oct. 23; Tulalip storyteller Lois Landgreeb on Nov. 15; gingerbread-house making on Dec. 12; and memory-care kits for caregivers developed with the Alzheimer's Association.

Quantities and logistics noted at the meeting: Lake Stevens Library hosted 413 programs last year with 5,650 attendees, and the branch has nine memory-care kits covering early, mid and late stages of memory loss. Staff also announced a promotional tote for patrons who sign up for library cards in October.

Where to request books and provide feedback: patrons were told to use the collection request form found on the Sno Isle Libraries website or speak directly with Lake Stevens staff to request specific items or to discuss what is placed on display.

Outcome: No formal board vote was taken on construction or collection issues; staff said they will return with project updates and asked the board and community to participate in strategic planning and use existing channels to request materials.