Eight months after breaking ground, the remodeled and expanded Coupeville Library reopened on March 8, 2010. The project, funded by a $2.3 million bond approved by voters in 2008, more than doubled the size of the library, added a library programming room and teen area, increased the amount of public seating, and provided space for additional computers. In addition to a meeting room, a bookstore-like atmosphere with moveable shelving, comfortable seating, and natural light, the expanded and remodeled Coupeville Library includes many environmentally-friendly features. These are:

• Solar panels
• Very high efficiency mechanical units that are approximately 25% more efficient than code-required systems (resulting in PSE rebate for energy efficiency)
• Day-lighting controls and room occupancy sensors to reduce unnecessary electrical lighting loads.
• Energy efficient low voltage and compact fluorescent lighting fixtures throughout the building.
• Abundant natural light to reduce need for artificial lighting, including use of "light tubes" to bring natural light deep into the interior of the space.
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures
• Two rain gardens designed to filter and mitigate the majority of roof rainwater runoff and a significant amount of site drainage.
• Drought tolerant, native landscaping eliminating the need for site irrigation system.
• Construction waste management program requiring salvage and recycling of 50% of non-hazardous waste

Original artwork is also integrated into the remodeled library:

• Wrought iron work by Daniel Sirak of Coupeville at library entrance
• Hand carved figures in alder panel by Glen Russell of Greenbank in children's Area
• Georgia Gerber cat sculpture mounted on Japanese black walnut table by Gary A Leake, funded by community friends in honor of Janet Enzmann

Funding

Coupeville area residents approved the formation of a library capital facility area and agreed to pay for a remodel and expansion to the current library. Both propositions passed in the August 2008 primary; nearly 65% of voters approved establishing the library capital facility area, and 60.63% said yes to funding the $2.3 million project.

Architects

The firm of Lewis Architecture & Interior Design of Bellevue was selected to work with the Building Committee on the development of the design for expansion and renovation of the Coupeville Library. Lewis has completed a number of library projects including the Mukilteo Library, the Granite Falls Library, Burlington Public Library, the Snohomish Library and the Bainbridge Island Library. Lead architects for the Coupeville Library Project are Ross Jamieson and Stig Carlson.

News

Coupeville Library finds interim home, Whidbey News-Times, May 12, 2009

Central Whidbey library efforts recognized by state association, Whidbey News-Times, May 19, 2009

Library groundbreaking party set, Whidbey Examiner, July 8, 2009

Library expansion is an investment in education, community, Whidbey Examiner, July 16, 2009

Crowd turns out for library opening, Whidbey Examiner, March 10, 20010

Coupeville celebrates library expansion, Whidbey News-Times, April 15, 2010

Library honors late Greenbank artist, Whidbey News-Times, October 24, 2010

Photos

Feb. 26, 2010 - This was a week of hard work by staff as they added more books and periodicals to the shelves, trained volunteers, and set up the first computer work stations. It is amazing the number of details and "small" things that require attention. Cables for the new computers have now been run to the floor boxes and neatly wired to the server in a room just off the staff work room. It is expected that the public use computers will be hooked up and operational next week. Following are some photos high-lighting the progress this week.

This sign appears in a street side window. Even the flowers seem to be anxiously awaiting the opening! Feb. 26, 2010

A Coon Cat by Georgia Gerber will be welcoming patrons as they enter the front door in honor of volunteer extraordinaire Janet Enzmann. Feb. 26, 2010

And how about Leslie's office!?! Just look at that double screen computer set-up! Feb. 26, 2010

In this photo, the Community Room has been set up for the training of volunteers. Feb. 26, 2010

Feb. 19, 2010 - Landscaping was the major task of the week and the photos below will show the progress made. In addition, some of the furniture has arrived. Plans to close the temporary library south of Coupeville are in place and it will be moved back to Coupeville during the week of Feb. 22. Next week will be devoted to interior pictures as we move ever closer to the opening

This photo shows landscaping of the rain garden near the front entrance to the Library. Feb. 19, 2010

The handicapped entrance railing and landscaping was installed early in the week. Feb. 19, 2010

Landscaping has been completed in a small area near the rear entrance to the Library. The plants look small now but will grow quickly and present a nice view for those customers who use the rear parking and entrance to the Library. Feb. 19, 2010

On the west side of the building, trees have been planted and staked to hold them in place until they become well rooted. You can also see plantings in the rain garden on this side of the Library. Feb. 19, 2010

This is another view of the plantings in the rain garden on the west side of the Library. Feb. 19, 2010

The lighted path leads from the front entrance of the Library to the west open field and town parking lot. It provided additional opportunities for tree and shrub plantings. Feb. 19, 2010

This tractor was used all week grading and leveling the site prior to installing the landscape plantings and trees. The entrance to the open field west of the Library was also graded with crushed rock. The entrance runs along the south boundary of the Library on town property. Feb. 19, 2010

This photo is a view of the finished Library from the north parking lot area. A handsome building! Feb. 19, 2010

Another view of the Library from the southside street entrance. Feb. 19, 2010

Feb. 12, 2010 - This week, books began to arrive at the library and shelving for still more books was being installed. The Library became a LIBRARY as books appeared in the stacks area! All of the general contractor's temporary buildings and equipment have disappeared although outside landscaping remains to be completed.

Proof that this is really a Library! Feb. 12, 2010

This photo is in the children's area. The sun was streaming in from the west and was very pleasant after days of clouds and rain. Some shading will likely be required during the upcoming summer months. Feb. 12, 2010

Another view of shelved books in the stacks area -- taken from the teen area on the west side of the building. Feb. 12, 2010

Some rolling shelving has arrived for use in displaying new and popular materials. They rolled very easily now and will hopefully be just as easy to roll when loaded with books! Feb. 12, 2010

And what Library would be complete without a copy machine?? This machine arrived mid-week from storage. Feb. 12, 2010

Jan. 29, 2010 - Things are shaping up at the Library! A lot of cleaning has been done, the final checking of the heating and air conditioning system is underway, black topping of the remaining parking lot areas is complete and shelving has arrived! We also have a "new" Coupeville Library sign -- actually the original sign by Glen Russell, now renovated. The only major item remaining to be done is the large sliding door to the Community Room. In should arrive in the next few days. Outside, landscaping remains to be done.

Here is the reinstalled Coupeville Library sign. It is installed near the rear entrance of the building. A new sign will be placed at the front entrance. Jan. 29, 2010

Black top fill-in around the front entrance to the building. Final striping of the parking areas remains to be done. Jan. 29, 2010

The first shelving arrived today (Friday) and is stored in the Adult Reading room. It will be installed next week. Jan. 29, 2010

Frames for some of the stacks arrived and are temporarily stored in the Children's room. Jan. 29, 2010

Still more shelving and dividers have been rolled into the stacks area. Planning for books and materials is not far off! Furniture will come a little later. Jan. 29, 2010

Jan. 8, 2010 - It was a rainy week in Coupeville so some of the outside cement and parking lot finish work has been delayed. However, inside work continues with trimming of some of the doors and windows, hanging some of the doors, and installation of the overhead light overhead light covers.

The cement pad in front of the front steps has been completed. The area in front of the pad will be black top and part of the north parking lot. Jan. 8, 2010

Only part of the handicap sidewalk to the front entrance was completed before the weather halted the work. It will be completed next week. Jan. 8, 2010

The fireplace was operational today! It will provide a nice setting in the adult reading room. This room is now nearly finished and carpet installation in the room is expected next week. Jan. 8, 2010

Some of the doors have been trimmed and hung. The wood grain give a sense of quality to the finish work. This door opens to the community room. The far door opens to one of the restrooms. Jan. 8, 2010

This photo shows the finished lighting fixtures in the community room. The center panel of each light contains fluorescent bulbs. Light is directed downward from center panel but also directs light to the white surfaces on either side of the panel. That light is then reflected into the room. Note the large window surface in this room. Great for letting natural light into the room but also provides a nice view outside for people using the room. Jan. 8, 2010

Here is a view from the manager's office. She will have a view out the front door and all the way to Penn Cove! Jan. 8, 2010

Dec. 28, 2009

Here is the ceiling in the entry hallway, looking from the front entrance toward the back entrance of the Library. Dec. 28, 2009

Some of the built in woodwork has arrived. This is a photo looking into the Children's area. Dec. 28, 2009

Forms have been completed for the concrete pour of the level entry to the front door of the Library. Workmen have also prepared the area at the back of the library for the concrete and blacktop work to be installed for a walkway and parking. Dec. 28, 2009

This photo provides a view of the sidewalks being installed from the wharf and downtown Coupeville to the Library. Dec. 28, 2009

Dec. 6, 2009 - Still another interesting and exciting week at the Library. It seems like one or more workers from almost all the building trades worked this week and the progress will be obvious in the photos below

Cabinets have been installed in the Friends area. This space is just to the left as you enter the Library front door. Note the large cabinet under the window. This is a mobile cart and can be rolled out into the room as needed. Dec. 6, 2009

This photo was taken in the stacks area. Note the upward directed lighting that will reflect off the acoustical ceiling panels. Also, the fact that the lights are on tells us that power is on in the building. Dec. 6, 2009

No, these are not lights! They are the solar tubes that bring light in from the outside (actually from the cupola). The sun was shining and even though the picture was taken late in the day, these light tubes were very bright. The "lights" are directly over the circulation desk. Dec. 6, 2009

This photo is taken in the men's restroom. Both restrooms are now completed. Dec. 6, 2009

This is a photo of the fireplace in the adult reading room. The wood cabinet was installed on Thursday. The plastic cover is to protect the fireplace while the rest of the trim is installed throughout the room. Most of the trim should be completed next week. Carpets on the floor will be the last thing to be installed. Dec. 6, 2009

We have water fountains! These fountains are located just inside the back door entrance to the library Dec. 6, 2009

This smooth operating "gate" coils up in the ceiling and rolls down to close off the main library from the entry hallway and the community room. The hallway and community room are seen just behind the gate in this picture. Dec. 6, 2009

This is a photo of the front entrance foyer. The Friends area is just to the right in the photo. Only the trim around the doors and windows remains to be installed. Dec. 6, 2009

Outside and to the rear (west side) of the building is a water retention area that was graded and installed this week. The area in the foreground was covered with a straw mulch and likely will become a grassy area later this spring and summer. In the upper right, a "privacy" structure now surrounds the heating and air- conditioning units. In the background upper part of the picture is the Friend's book storage shed. Dec. 6, 2009

Finally, this is a photo taken from the north side of the library. This is what you will see from the wharf or from "downtown" Coupeville. A really handsome building, don't you think? And the view will be even better when the security fence is gone and landscaping is completed. Dec. 6, 2009

Nov. 30, 2009 - The exterior of the building has been painted! Inside, tile work inside along with the installation of acoustical ceiling panels is some of the work that is completed. Floor tiles were being installed as well.

Here is the newly painted west side of the Library. All of the building was painted with only some touch up remaining at the end of the week Nov. 30, 2009

This photo shows one of the bathrooms where tile has been installed. Fixtures come next! Nov. 30, 2009

Another view of the completed tile work in one of the bathrooms. Nov. 30, 2009

And still one more photo of one of tile work in one of the bathrooms. Nov. 30, 2009

This photo shows some of the curved acoustical panels in the adult reading room. Nov. 30, 2009

This photo is shows the acoustical ceiling panels above the stacks. Nov. 30, 2009

Here is a photo of the "kitchen" area in the community room complete with a workman installing the cabinet work. Yes, there will be a sink in the opening where his head appears! Note that there are plenty of electrical outlets. Nov. 30, 2009

Nov. 15, 2009 - Lots of workman have been in the building this week (and last). We are in the "finishing" stage of the project -- even though there is much detail work to be done and "finish" work necessarily needs to be slow, deliberate and carefully done. Below are a few photos taken this week.

Exterior siding in now 99% complete. This is a view of the south side of the building that was the last to be completed. Nov. 15, 2009

The fireplace in the adult reading room has been installed. Of course, completing the walled enclosure and adding trim still remains to be done. Nov. 15, 2009

This photo shows the installed book drops on the south rear entrance area of the building. They will be trimmed out and have a finished look in the next few days. Nov. 15, 2009

The first floor tile has been installed in the entry from the rear of the building. The tile are about 6 inches wide and 16 inches long. They look great in this entry hallway. Grouting, cleaning and sealing remain to be done. Nov. 15, 2009

Her is a first look at tile in one of the bathroom. A single workman was meticulously doing that work Friday afternoon. Nov. 15, 2009

These curved ceiling panels will be suspended from the ceiling in the adult reading room. Note the holes drilled in the underside of the panel. These panels will provide for sound absorption and should provide a quiet and pleasant reading room for anyone wanting to spend an hour or two at the library on an overcast, rainy day such as we have been having recently! Nov. 15, 2009

Nov. 1, 2009 - The photos below show some of the progress during the week.

The missing right front window has been installed! All windows are now in place. Nov. 1, 2009

Siding was installed on the east side of the building this week. Installation on the back (south side of the building) remains to be done. Nov. 1, 2009

The handicap entrance to the front of the Library is ready to be finished. It is a near level walkway to the front door. Nov. 1, 2009

Wires, Cables, Wires everywhere! Here is one of the electrical panels that will distribute power in the building. Nov. 1, 2009

Leslie Franzen will have a Manager's office! Note also the finished and sanded dry walls. Painting was to begin on Friday and will be finished early next week. That means some of the cabinet work can begin. Nov. 1, 2009

Oct. 26, 2009 - Looking from the outside, it did not seem like much was done at the library this week, but inside, a huge project was nearly completed. Sheet rock installation on the walls was completed about midweek and they began taping the seams. The solar tubes (all four) are now installed to bring light in from the cupola. The photos below show some of the progress during the week.

Siding on the west side of the building is now complete except that above the curved window. Oct. 26, 2009

This photo shows the room where the stacks will be. Taping is done but some final finishing will result in a "seamless" wall. Oct. 26, 2009

Here is a view looking toward the back entrance of the library. Oct. 26, 2009

This picture was taken in the "community" room. The small room to the left is a storage area. The indentation on the right will be a small "kitchen" area. Oct. 26, 2009

Oct. 19, 2009 - The dry-wallers have been there most of the week and dry wall installation always means a lot of dust, small left over pieces of drywall, etc. More siding has been installed despite rain off and on during the week. And we have solar panels installed on the roof. Two of the four solar tubes from the cupola to the circulation desk area have also been installed. Below are some photos showing the week's progress.

Siding is nearly complete on the building west wall. The color will change. Oct. 19, 2009

Another siding photo. The cupola and west dormer siding is complete. Oct. 19, 2009

Here are the installed solar panels on the right side of the south facing roof. Oct. 19, 2009

This photo shows more solar panels on the left side of the south facing roof. Oct. 19, 2009

Here is a photo of two of the four solar tubes that will bring natural light in from the cupola to the circulation desk area in the library. I think we will be impressed with the amount of natural light these units bring to the area. Oct. 19, 2009

Oct. 12, 2009 - Interior details are being completed prior to beginning installation of the drywall. Windows and doors have been installed -- just prior to the steady rains we have had for the last two or three nights! Workman began installing the exterior siding this week and that work will be continuing. Following are a few pictures taken during the week.

The front entry is beginning to take shape. Handicap entrance will be along the top of the stone wall to the left. Oct. 12, 2009

Insulation is being installed in all exterior walls and some interior walls for found proofing. Oct. 12, 2009

We will have air-conditioning and heating!! Interior ducting is in place but the complete installation will take a little more time. Also, here is a first look at the exterior siding. Of course, the final color will be different. Oct. 12, 2009

A few hours after the last picture was taken, siding appeared on one side of the cupola. Oct. 12, 2009

And still more siding on the west side of the building. Most of the siding work should be completed in Week 15. Oct. 12, 2009

Oct. 5, 2009 - This was a week of almost daily visual changes at the Library. Many of the windows were installed on Tuesday and only a few windows on the front of the building and the front entry remain to be put in place. In addition, there were roofers on site for about 3 days during the week and it is finished! The fall rains, if they come soon, will no longer be a concern, as the interior will remain dry. Below are a few photos.

These are the new windows on the west side of the building that were installed. Oct. 5, 2009

Shingling began on Tuesday and was completed in about 3 days. The roofers worked around all the solar panel tie-downs on this side (south side ) of the roof! Oct. 5, 2009

The roof shingling is completed. It looks nice!! Oct. 5, 2009

Still a lot of work to do but here is a photo of the front steps. Yes, a lot of steps but as we know, there is a near level entry to the left of these steps and there is still a level entrance on the opposite side of the building. Handicap access is provided! Oct. 5, 2009

We are beginning to get a better idea of how the front of the library will look in this photo. The entrance and high roof line at the front of the building will be truly impressive. The windows look in on the adult reading room. Oct. 5, 2009

Sept. 28, 2009 - There was a lot of activity and lots of workman at the library during the week. It is astounding the amount of detail --electrical wiring, plumbing rough-in, sprinkler system rough-in, etc. etc. going into the building and it has taken a little longer than expected. Also installing the fascia boards on the roof has taken a little longer than expected project and those must be in place before the roof can be shingled. There was action on the front steps and although still covered with plastic in the photo below, that part of the project is coming along nicely. The photos below show progress being made!

Front steps -- covered with plastic for protection from rain. Still a lot of work to do to complete the front entrance Sept. 28, 2009

Here are those fascia boards along the edge of the roof. They were weather treated and painted before installation. Some work still needs to be done and then we should see the roofers here to install the shingles you see on the roof peak. Sept. 28, 2009

Black pipe -- a lot of it! This will be installed to provide sprinklers throughout the building. Sept. 28, 2009

Air-conditioning and heating duct-work has been installed. Sept. 28, 2009

Pipes, wires, electrical boxes everywhere! The Library will be well supplied with utilities! Sept. 28, 2009

Sept. 21, 2009 - Progress continues with a lot of detail work inside the building. The electricians have just about completed the rough-in electrical wiring. A new gable appeared on the rear (south) side of the building that will provide cover for the new rear entrance to the library. Darren hopes to have roof fascia completed this week which means shingling can begin and it is possible windows will be installed. Solar tubes have arrived and are ready for installation. The roof solar panel tie-downs are now on the roof. It is safe to say the solar panels will be firmly in place regardless of the winter wind storms common here on Whidbey!

The new gable will provide cover for the rear entrance to the library. Sept. 21, 2009

The Library front steps are beginning to take shape. The rock wall hides the level entry that will come in from the sidewalk next to the street. Sept. 21, 2009

These are the tie-downs on the roof that will hold the solar panel in place. Lag screws into the rafters hold down these solar panel supports. Sept. 21, 2009

Sept. 11, 2009 - It may seem like it has been a slow week because we are not seeing dramatic changes but in fact, a great amount of detail work was done in completing the roof framing, finishing the roof sheathing, adding blocking where it will be needed later, etc. The dormer structure on the back (south side) of the building was also completed. We are getting close to being able to shingle the roof and get the whole building protected from any changes in the weather that could occur at any time. Below are three or four pictures showing the current status of construction

Dormer added on the back (south) roof -- will allow light into the staff work rooms below. Sept. 11, 2009

This photo shows all of the roof sheathing completed. More detail work along the eves will be needed before shingling can begin. Sept. 11, 2009

Interior walls in the stack area and teen study area are being made ready for sheet rock. Sept. 11, 2009

Looks messy now but this will be the community use space when completed -- lots of windows -- formerly the children's area. Sept. 11, 2009

Sept. 5, 2009 - Another week of progress on the Library expansion. The roof trusses arrived early Monday morning and by the afternoon many of them were already in place and nailed down. We also saw some work on the rock wall at the front of the building and by the end of the week a major portion of the roof had sheathing in place. We also have a cupola! It looks great and does indeed reflect the appearance of the block houses seen elsewhere in Coupeville. The photos below summarize some of the progress this week.

The trusses arrived on a large truck towing a large trailer -- along with the crane to lift them in place. Sept. 5, 2009

The crane easily lifted multiple trusses and located them where the workman could fasten them down. Sept. 5, 2009

In this photo, a smaller truss is ready to lowered to the proper resting site Sept. 5, 2009

By Tuesday, most of the trusses were in place, properly spaced, and fasten down with metal clips. Sept. 5, 2009

Here is a view from inside the building after most the trusses were in place. Note the higher (soon to be curved ceiling) over the teen area. This picture looks west to the open field. Sept. 5, 2009

By Thursday, and cupola began to emerge! Sept. 5, 2009

And by Friday, the copula roof was in place. Sept. 5, 2009

This photo is a very preliminary view of the rock wall that will be seen at the front steps of the building. Lots of work left to do on the front entrance. Sept. 5, 2009

This week of progress on the Library expansion was setting forms and pouring concrete.

Forms complete and rebar in place for the concrete floor. August 22, 2009.

Friday morning at about 7:30 AM -- the cement pump is in place to begin pouring the floor. August 22, 2009.

At this point about 1/2 of the floor has been poured. August 22, 2009.

This device vibrates and levels the floor as the create is delivered from the pump. August 22, 2009.

Toweling begins. This worker has a super trowel while the workman at the right finishes the outside edges. August 22, 2009.

And here is the finished floor! August 22, 2009.

More rocks! -- They will be used in the landscaping scheme at the new entrance to the library. August 22, 2009.

Good progress this week despite the extreme heat. This picture shows the completed forms for the foundation of the expanded section of the building. Most of the forming was completed on Wednesday with the temperature hovering around 95 degrees! July 31, 2009.

This picture shows the first cement truck and cement pump ready to begin filling the forms with concrete around 10:30 on Friday morning. July 31, 2009.

This shows the cement being received and poured in the forms on the OPPOSITE side of the building. The cement will cure over the weekend and the forms will be removed on Monday. July 31, 2009.

Taken inside the building. All of the interior walls have been removed and except for some final cleanup, the interior deconstruction is complete. July 31, 2009.

Coupeville Library staff meeting with the architects to review plans and offer feedback, Feb. 2009

Coupeville Library staff meeting with the architects to review plans and offer feedback, Feb. 2009

Coupeville Library staff meeting with the architects to review plans and offer feedback, Feb. 2009

Coupeville Library staff meeting with the architects to review plans and offer feedback, Feb. 2009

Coupeville Library staff meeting with the architects to review plans and offer feedback, Feb. 2009

Coupeville Library staff meeting with the architects to review plans and offer feedback, Feb. 2009

Coupeville Library expansion public meeting on Dec. 20

Current view of library