MILL CREEK — Following a three-month closure for a remodel, readers have a couple more places to curl up with a good book at the Mill Creek Library.
At a cost of $1.3 million, one of the busiest libraries in the Sno-Isle system got HVAC upgrades, new seating, new bathrooms with better ADA access and a host of other small upgrades. New carpet and new paint helped transform the space, as well.
“Some of it was well past the end of its lifetime,” said R.D. Burley, an assistant director with Sno-Isle Libraries. “So we really looked at this project from the standpoint of doing some repairs to the building, and then kind of taking advantage of that.”
The library reopened Sept. 7.
Sno-Isle Libraries funded the project and got a $200,000 grant from the state for the work.
The library at 15429 Bothell Everett Highway was built in 1987, with an addition coming four years later. Over 15,000 people visit the library each month.
The air conditioning work will allow Mill Creek Library to become a cooling center on hot days. Local cities can designate certain spaces to be open for those with no cool place to go during heat waves. Following the heat dome event in 2021, this became more of a priority.
Snohomish County has 29 cooling centers. The closest to the library is near Glacier Peak High School. Mill Creek being able to serve this role will help with “community resiliency,” Burley said.
The Mill Creek Library is fairly small, but has the highest hold and pickup rate of any in the Sno-Isle system, library officials said. On a weekday, it’s not uncommon for dozens of people to be working or reading throughout the library.
Many of the small upgrades at the library were done with visitors in mind. For example, the library put electrical cords under the floor, instead of on the floor where they previously presented a tripping hazard.
Books that used to be in front of floor-to-ceiling windows were also moved. The view of trees outside is now unobstructed.
“It’s a great spot to just sit down and read your book, or do some work,” said Katie Leone, a spokesperson for Sno-Isle.
Renovations also gave the library’s staff of about 20 a new service desk, as well as updates to the break room and staff bathroom.
“These improvements were necessary to provide a safer and more comfortable environment for our community,” said Lois Langer Thompson, the Sno-Isle Libraries executive director, in a press release.
The Mill Creek project is one of Thompson’s last as executive director. Sno-Isle announced earlier this month Eric Howard would take over the position starting Nov. 1.
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; X: @jordyhansen.
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