Libraries would serve growing populations

The fate of two proposed new libraries is up to residents in Stanwood, Camano Island, Oak Harbor and north Whidbey Island.

The Tuesday ballot for the Stanwood-Camano area includes a 20-year, $9 million construction bond to pay for a new 20,000-square-foot library in Stanwood. The owner of a $200,000 home would pay about $35 a year, starting in 2006.

The ballot for Oak Harbor and north Whidbey includes a 20-year, $12 million construction bond to pay for a new 30,000-square-foot library in Oak Harbor. The owner of a $200,000 home would pay about $68 a year.

Each library measure would require voters to first approve the creation of a new taxing district. Both proposed library districts would mirror the boundaries of their local school districts.

The state Legislature first allowed libraries to expand their taxing districts beyond city limits in 1995. Mary Kelly, community relations manager for Sno-Isle Libraries, explained why.

“This is a way to spread the cost among all the user population rather than asking the city to bear the sole financial burden of a new building,” Kelly said.

The population growth in both communities has outpaced the libraries’ ability to keep up, Kelly said.

In Stanwood, the existing 5,400-square-foot library was only designed to serve 17,000 people, yet the population of the area it serves is more than 36,000, according to information at www.sno-isle.org.

The new library would almost quadruple its size, allowing for a bigger book collection, four new rooms (including one for kids and one for seniors) and an increase in computers from seven to 25.

Oak Harbor’s 11,200-square-foot library serves about 37,000 people in north Whidbey. The new library would almost triple its size. It would feature three new rooms, a bookstore and 50 computers (an increase of 20).

Both libraries would be near downtown and near parks. Stanwood’s would be built on 92nd Avenue NW. The city is considering building a new city hall next door.

Oak Harbor’s new library would most likely be built between SE Pioneer and SE Bayshore Drive, although no purchase agreement has been reached.

If voters approve, both new buildings could start construction as early as 2005.

Reporter Scott Morris: 425-339-3292 or smorris@ heraldnet.com.

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