The Mount Vernon Library Commons is set to debut in the summer of 2024, offering a multifunctional space that combines a parking structure, library, and community center. Initially conceived as a response to the growing needs of our community for an expanded library facility, this visionary project by the City of Mount Vernon evolved to encompass multiple community needs within a single building.

The city recognized the opportunity to create a dynamic space that not only addresses the demand for enhanced library resources but also serves as a centralized hub for various community activities. Extensive research and development reports, including the downtown development plan and sub-area plan, underscore the pivotal role of increased parking capacity in downtown revitalization efforts. By integrating additional parking spaces alongside the floodwall, this initiative aims to catalyze growth and foster a thriving community hub.

Additionally, the inclusion of a conference center addresses the demand for more community gathering places, further enriching the social fabric of Mount Vernon. Stay tuned for updates as we eagerly anticipate the grand opening of the Mount Vernon Library Commons!

Project Costs & Funding

Sustainability

Economic Development

The Library: Expanded services to meet a g​rowing community

The new library will better meet the needs of our growing community. With larger space we'll have more books, programs, and services available. 

The space will offer:

• ​Children's Library (including reading nook, family play area, and more programs)
• Sonya's Quiet Reading Room
• Teen & STEM Center
• Three Study Rooms
• Art Gallery Space

The Commons: Gathering, Learning, and Business Spaces

Without a dedicated events center, Mount Vernon business and community groups have limited meeting and conference space. The library and community center will provide comfortable and useable space to support our growing community.  

The space will offer:

• A Conference Center meeting space for 200, sub-dividable into two rooms of 100
• One large conference room
• Projectors, screens, conference phones, free wi-fi and whiteboards for business support
• Electronic locking for ease of access
• Community Kitchen available to serve conference center catering, community service organizations and incubator kitchen functions. 

Parking Garage: Providing economic development & tourism opportunities

​​The parking will include:

• 269 spaces, including 76 EV charging stations 
• 12 E-Bike charging stations and lockers
• Well-lit accessible spaces in a long beam structure (fewer pillars)
• Security control for the structure
• Elevators
• Designated space marking (e.g. 30-minute, senior, family, employee)
• Large parking spaces for ease of use

Floor Plan for Library and Commons Area

Quick Facts

Operations

Now:

​​The library operates on a 28% smaller budget than comparable libraries serving populations of 35,000 residents (the current population of Mount Vernon), but we have the highest percentage of budget invested in resources for libraries serving communities of our size. That is $40,000 more than any other library in Skagit County.

Future Building:

There will be minimal increase in operating expenses because the new facility will be designed with staff efficiency in mind. The increased revenue potential will offset new costs to make a neutral operating budget. We can double available programs and be a hub for community activities at the same cost.

Building

Now:
​

• Designed for a population that was 15,000 at the time of last construction
• 12,621 sqft
• No conference space
• 16 computers
• Oldest Library in Skagit County (Constructed in 1956 with minor renovations in 1977 and 1982)
  
• No outside group use

Future Building:

• The library will have configurable space to accommodate multiple types of use
• Designed for a population of 50,000
• Estimated space of 28,000 sqft
• Multiple conference spaces (Activity room, Kitchen, Art / Maker space)
• Will employ the latest computer and audio-visual technology
• The ability for outside group use