Building Projects

Sno-Isle Libraries is committed to creating inspiring spaces that are inviting, inclusive, and easy to use. Capital projects are a direct investment into our communities.

Each project reimagines our libraries by incorporating community input to provide welcoming libraries that support communities now and for years to come.

Current Projects
Phases to a New Library
Completed Projects

Arlington Library

Remodel and extension with full accessibility and improved energy efficiency & sustainability.

Current phase: Design

Latest news:

Arlington City Council approved the rezoning request.
Regulatory, design, and project planning continues.

Learn more

First Look at the Arlington Library Remodel

A new library in the Chapel Hill neighborhood will better serve the growing community. The designs for the new, 15,000 sq ft library building are inspired by community input with a focus on early learning and sustainability. Features will include an interactive children’s area, flexible public meeting rooms, several study rooms, and usable outdoor space for community gathering and cozy reading.

Current phase: Construction

Latest news:

Second story walls and the installation of structural steel can be seen on site.
Internal details are being selected, including upholstery and interactive children's features.
Cross-laminated timber fabrication and other off site work is taking place now.
Estimated completion expected spring 2026.

Learn more

New Lake Stevens Library Design

Mariner Community Campus

A campus providing residents access to a mix of activities focused on education, learning, democracy and community connection.

Current phase: Rough Draft

Latest news:

Clearing of the property will begin this fall.
Entering into a conceptual pre-design and feasibility phase for the site and library facility with key partners.
Continuing evaluation of the future Mariner Community Campus site and building options and shaping a conceptual vision of the future campus.
Continuing to engage and gather feedback from the community.

Learn more

Mariner Community Needs Assessment Report

Phases to a New Library

When will we have a new library?

While the broad steps to a remodeled or new library are largely the same, each project and community is unique. The details included in each phase offer a general idea of how long they take and some of the work happening behind the scenes during that phase.

Please contact us with specific questions.

1. Research Phase

Pre-design work sets the stage for the entire project. Each project reimagines our libraries by incorporating community input to create inspiring spaces and support local needs for years to come.

Estimated time: multiple years

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Analyze Community
Engage community to identify priorities, partners, and stakeholders
Determine zoning and building ownership
Investigate community design requirements
Search and purchase property
Analyze and prepare site
Select and contract architects
Identify library features and design concepts

Location(s) in this phase:

(none)

2. Rough Draft Phase

The information gathered to this point is incorporated into the initial design. This phase will begin with very broad ideas about services and features which will be refined as we collaborate with the community. This may take multiple drafts and rounds of community outreach.

Estimated time: 6 months to 2 years.

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Development of design concept and feature elements
Iterate how desired features fit into the space
Design concept review and validation
Community and staff outreach on initial design
Cost estimating

Location(s) in this phase:

Mariner Library

3. Design Phase

A final design is created from community feedback from the initial design. Plans are checked and double checked to ensure all plans are feasible. This phase digs into the details: mechanical systems, utilities, specifications, materials, and finishes. The cost for the desired features is evaluated and choices are made to reach our goals within budget. The vision for the physical library begins to feel real.

Estimated time: 3 months to 2 years.

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Design refinement
Material, function, sustainability, mechanical equipment determined
Furniture, finishes, and equipment
Final design approval
Cost estimates and evaluations continue

Location(s) in this phase:

Arlington Library

4. Permits & Approvals Phase

With the final design created, this phase ensures all details of the design are feasible and meet or exceed codes.

Estimated time: 3-12 months

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Clear, thorough documentation
Review of details: equipment, millwork, lighting, electrical, HVAC, wiring, cabinetry, etc.
Community permits
Regulatory work
- Site and building permit applications
- Utility permits
- Community board and committee processes. This includes working with design review boards, historical review committees, etc.

Location(s) in this phase:

(none)

5. Bidding & Contracting Phase

During the Bidding and Contracting Phase the Library opens a competitive request for proposals (RFP) from vendors for construction. As a public agency, Sno-Isle Libraries follows state laws regarding purchasing and contracting to ensure a fair and equitable process that provides the best value for taxpayer dollars. Learn more about our bidding processes and financial information.

Estimated time: 6 months

Activities occurring during this phase include:

A RFP is posted on the Library's vendor page of the scope of work
Appropriate vendors in the Municipal Research Service Center (MRSC) are invited to bid
Bids are reviewed
A contractor is selected
A contract agreeing to terms is signed by all parties
Creation of contingency plans in case of unexpected developments

Location(s) in this phase:

(none)

6. Construction Phase

With the visible work starting, the fun begins! The general contractor (GC) hired during the Bidding and Contracting Phase takes responsibility for the building. Sub-contractors such as electricians, carpenters, etc. will be hired by the GC. Throughout the project, the Library will have representatives working with the GC team to answer questions, weigh in on decision making, and ensure plan progress. If the library is located within a city-owned building, city representatives also collaborate.

Estimated time: 4-18 months

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Moving existing collection and furniture
Relocating library services
Demolition
Construction
Inspections throughout the process
Decorating
Moving books and computers in

Location(s) in this phase:

Lake Stevens Library

Grand Opening!

After construction is complete, books, computers and furniture are moved in, the library is given a good scrub, and the public is welcomed into an inspiring space! As the library reopens and service resumes, feedback is collected to to ensure the project goals were accomplished. There may be finishing touches, fixes, and small changes in the following months, and even years, as customers and staff learn how to utilize the new space.

Activities occurring during this phase include:

Ribbon cutting!
A big celebration!
Return to regular library service

Location(s) in this phase:

Darrington Library
Edmonds Library
Langley Library

Completed Projects

Langley Library
Edmonds Library
Darrington Library

Langley Library

Current phase: Open!
Remodel of interior and exterior spaces to improve accessibility and energy efficiency while preserving the historic building.

The remodel provided an additional 1,500 sq feet, opening up the lower level for usable space. A meeting room and two study rooms were built and the children's area has gained an interactive play structure.

Latest news:

Langley Library reopened on Mar. 22, 2025.

Langley Project Overview

Langley Library Remodel Design

Edmonds Library

Current phase: Open!
Catastrophic water damage sparked the remodel of the 17,000 square foot library.

Latest news:

Edmonds Library reopened on Jan. 13, 2024.

Edmonds Project Overview

Darrington Library

Current phase: Open!
Updates to the building have made it more accessible and sustainable while incorporating space for quiet reading, a children's area, and outdoor gathering space.

Latest news:

Darrington Library reopened on Sep. 30, 2023.

Darrington Project Overview

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Building Projects

Current Projects

Arlington Library

First Look at the Arlington Library Remodel

Lake Stevens Library

New Lake Stevens Library Design

Mariner Community Campus

Mariner Community Needs Assessment Report

Phases to a New Library

Completed Projects

Langley Library

Langley Library Remodel Design

Edmonds Library

Darrington Library

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Building Projects

Current Projects

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Arlington Design Plans

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Lake Stevens Library Design

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Mariner Community Campus Needs Assessment

Phases to a New Library

Completed Projects

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Langley Library Design Plans

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