Below is a summary for the new Library Commons project, plans, and a comparison of today's facility versus what a new facility would offer.
The Library Commons is the name for what will someday be a combined parking structure, library and community center. The City hopes this project will act as a catalyst for downtown development. The City’s research and development reports, including the downtown development plan and sub-area plan, indicate that more parking spaces in downtown (in conjunction with the floodwall) will spur development and create an even more vibrant community center.
There is much more detail on the history of this project at the City's web site here. Caution-some documents may take a long time to load.
The Commons: Gathering, Learning, and Business Spaces
Business and community groups in our community have limited meeting and conference space without a dedicated events center. The library and community center will provide fun, comfortable, and useful space to support our growing community.
The space will offer:
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The Library: Expanded services to meet a growing 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.
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. As well, we can double the programs available, be a hub for community activities, and so much more. |
Building
Now:
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Future Building:
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