Library News: Library Location Options
Library Options
Where do you want Camano Island’s permanent library located? In Terry’s Corner, where we’ve had a temporary (it’s called a “pilot project”) library in 1,800 square feet of leased space? Or would you prefer it near Camano Plaza? That’s what the library’s advisory board may be deciding in the next month now that the parent Sno-Isle Libraries has provided some guidance about likely sites. Architects hired by Sno-Isle recommended three possible locations to the advisory board at its Oct. 10 meeting. The recommendations: Site No. 1—The existing library building at Terry’s Corner. OPTION A: Purchase the remainder of the ground floor and remodel the present 1,800-square-foot space to 4,000 square feet at an estimated cost of $2 million (that translates to 4 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value or $12 per year for the owner of $300,000 property). OPTION B: Purchase the entire two-story building, install an elevator, and create an 8,000-square-foot space at an estimated cost of $4 million (8 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value or $24 per year for the owner of $300,000 property). Site No. 2—Brindle’s Building at Terry’s Corner. The two-story building could be purchased and remodeled with an elevator to create 5,760 square feet of space at an estimated cost of $2.7 million (5.4 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value or $16.20 per year for the owner of $300,000 property). Site No. 3—The Brayton development east of the Whidbey Island Bank and north of Camano Plaza. A new one-story building offers a couple of possibilities. OPTION A: Construct a 6,000-square-foot structure at an estimated cost of $3.7 million (7.4 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value or $22.08 per year for the owner of $300,000 property). OPTION B: Construct an 8,000-square-foot building at an estimated cost of $4.4 million (8.8 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value or $26.40 a year for the owner of $300,000 property). For comparison purposes, the city-owned building that houses the Stanwood Library has about 5,200 square feet. If you have a preference, the board would like to hear from you before it makes a recommendation. You can email Board Chair Tom Curtis at curtisct@wavecable.com. To see a copy of the architect’s site feasibility study, visit the library at Terry’s Corner. The Sno-Isle Libraries board may seek voter approval as early as April 2012. – Submitted by Oren Campbell.
It’s easy to drive by Terry’s Corner.
I think that a Camano Plaza site would attract a higher readership and blend better with the natural activity pattern of Island residents.
I go to the Stanwood library often. The collection is just large enough to be of interest to older adults; perhaps we should shoot for around that size area, given that fewer students would use it daily.
First, Orin, this is an excellent article. Thank you. I would prefer to see our new library at the Brayton Property and would recommend the 8,000 square foot structure in anticipation of future Camano Island growth. One bond issue is easier to get than have to come back in 20 years and ask for more money.