After 12 months of construction, community members are invited to rediscover the Langley Library.
The little library is opening its doors once again at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 22 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the first tours of the historic building with new features. The day will be filled with activities, games and refreshments, among other things. Different events are planned for every day of the first week the library is back in operation.
The $4 million renovation project added 1,500 square feet to the library, which now has a lower level accessible to the public. It also boasts a new meeting room, a smaller study space and “Zoom room” that can be reserved up to two months in advance, Library Manager Kaley Costello told the city council last week. The largest room is equipped for teleconferenced meetings with two screens and cameras, while the smaller room downstairs has one screen.
Interactive elements have been added to the children’s area, which occupies the original structure of the 101-year-old library that was preserved during the remodel. Katie Leone, marketing and communications manager for Sno-Isle Libraries, said the Friends of the Langley Library supported the new “wave” feature that kids can now crawl around on.
New solar panels on the roof will reduce the library’s carbon footprint and the project will earn LEED Silver Certification, an honor reserved for energy efficient and sustainable construction. More windows add light to the space.
Other additions may seem minor but will go a long way, such as ADA compliant restrooms and entryway improvements. Leone said the grade of the exterior ramp was changed and the steps were evened out.
The project was funded by contributions from Sno-Isle Libraries, two state grants, the Friends of the Langley Library and Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation. Sno-Isle Libraries contracted with Valdez Construction of Oak Harbor to complete the project.
Leone said there will be over 450 new items exclusive to Langley Library for a period of three months.
“I didn’t fully appreciate the value of a library until I moved to Langley, where our library is more than just a place for information — it’s a hub of warmth, opportunity, and connection,” Mayor Kennedy Horstman said in a press release. “I’m excited for its reopening and proud of the collaboration between Sno-Isle Libraries, residents, and the city of Langley in creating a space that honors our library’s history while meeting the evolving needs of our community.”
The Langley Library’s temporary location in the South Whidbey Community Center that served patrons for the past year closed March 8 as staff prepared to move books and furniture into the new space. In the meantime, Costello said, all holds that were on the shelf will be available for pick-up at the Clinton or Freeland libraries.
Stop by the grand reopening to pick up a special edition library card, available while supplies last. Join community leaders, elected officials and Sno-Isle Libraries staff as they come together to mark the momentous occasion.
“I’m really excited to see how the community responds to the space and being back in their library,” Leone said.
(Photo provided) The new children’s area of the Langley Library has bins of books close to the floor that young readers can easily reach.
(Image provided) Sno-Isle Libraries has created a limited edition library card for the reopening of the Langley Library.
