Snowell Libraries outlines strategic plan; Arlington branch slated for remodel, levy restoration proposed

Snowell Libraries leaders briefed the Arlington City Council on June 1 about systemwide services, capital projects and a planned levy restoration to sustain operations.

Eric Howard, executive director of Snowell Libraries, said the system runs 23 libraries across two counties, an extensive bookmobile, and about 3,000 programs each year, including early-learning supports for ages 0–3 and credentialing assistance for daycare workers. "The only way we do that is when we get together with our community and listen," Howard said, noting the system will solicit community input this summer as part of a strategic-plan process and present findings in the fall.

Howard outlined three major capital projects for 2026, including a two-story Lake Stevens branch scheduled to open in the fall and a permitting process to begin in 2026 for a remodel of the Arlington Library, with construction planned for 2027. He told the council the Arlington Library is the only branch in the system without air conditioning and that the board prioritized the project.

Arlington branch manager Erica Brown provided local usage statistics: in 2025 the Arlington Library had about 75,000 visitors and 98,000 material checkouts and renewals. Brown said a recent small remodel of the teen area and new technology additions have been popular with local youth. "We love to see people spark joy in the library every day," Brown said.

Howard also said the system is nearing the end of its 2018 levy funding period and plans to seek a levy restoration in August to return rates to 2018 levels. He said the levy supports operations and that failure at the ballot would likely require reduced hours and services: "The levy is really about operations. So it allows us to leave the lights on."