Fifty years ago, two rural county library districts merged to form Sno-Isle Regional Library.
In the midst of the country’s excitement about the 21st century, exemplified by the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, people in Snohomish and Island counties decided to pool their resources and look to the future.
Today, computer technology is a big part of the resources at Sno-Isle Libraries, but the two-county library district continues its focus on reading and lifelong learning. Individual libraries continue to serve as community centers for ideas and culture, library officials said.
Throughout this anniversary year, the libraries have hosted or plan to host Sno-Isle 50th birthday party events. Several, supported by Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation, are planned for this month.
Snohomish librarian Rebecca Loney said the celebrations give people a chance to look back and acknowledge history.
“It was an important move when these rural library districts merged, and now we are looking ahead to continue to provide resources and services that are needed by our communities,” Loney said. “Libraries are really an important part of the American fabric and we are proud of the service we provide.”
Monroe Library has a celebration planned for 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the library, 1070 Village Way. The event doubles as the 10th anniversary of the new Monroe Library building.
There will be music from a local band, children’s crafts, a classic car show, refreshments and a time capsule ceremony.
Coupeville Library’s anniversary event is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Coupeville Farmers Market. People can share their library stories, enjoy local musicians, food and fun for families.
Mill Creek Library’s celebration includes music by the Merrill Gardens Senior Choir and a time capsule ceremony from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Sept. 16 at the library, 15429 Bothell-Everett Highway. Refreshments and prizes provided by the Friends of the Mill Creek Library are planned.
Snohomish Library has several days of anniversary events. The big day is noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 at the library, 311 Maple Ave. It includes music by the Snohomish High School Jam Club and a time capsule sealing ceremony. The library also is a stop on the Historical Home Tour. Friends of the Snohomish Library and the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation are sponsors. Through Sept. 15, there is a scavenger hunt at the library with prizes planned. A presentation about remembering the past through collectibles from the 1960s is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday. Cupcakes and crafts are on the agenda at 2 p.m. Sept. 15.
At the Stanwood Library, the anniversary celebration includes a chance for teens to talk about themselves and the future of the library by participating in its video interview project at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at library, 9701 271st St. NW. Pizza and snacks are to be served by the Stanwood-Camano Friends of the Library. Stanwood Library plans an 50th anniversary open house from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30. at the library featuring performances by poets, light refreshments and a dedication of the Stanwood Library’s time capsule. The capsule will be filled with photographs, videos and stories about the Stanwood Library to be opened in 2022 for the 60th anniversary.
Events to come include those on Oct. 13 in Arlington and Marysville, Oct. 15 in Edmonds, Oct. 25 in Langley, Oct. 27 in Brier, Freeland and Oak Harbor, and Nov. 3 in Lake Stevens. More information on this events is available at www.sno-isle.org.
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