By Luke Distelhorst / For The Herald
One of my favorite things about visiting libraries in our Sno-Isle Libraries system is that even though each one is a unique space with different resources, every resident has access to all that they each have to offer.
Family Storytime in Coupeville? Yep, you can go to that! Tax help in Snohomish? Absolutely! Online watercolor painting class for seniors? They’ve got that too.
Not to mention that even if the book I’m looking for is in Darrington, they’ll bring it to my local library in Edmonds.
But, I’m an easy sell on the amazing value our libraries offer. For six years I’ve been a volunteer and advocate for supporting our amazing community libraries, where every member in our community has access to library resources, programming, technology, and can gather to meet their neighbors.
As board president for the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation, I have the honor of helping raise funds for library upgrades, new and innovative projects, and a host of early literacy programs to support developing our youth into lifelong learners.
These and many other important efforts would not be possible without the generosity of dedicated individuals and community partners. In 2023 alone the foundation is planning to invest just over $1 million across Snohomish and Island counties to expand the reach of library services and help create inspiring community spaces. We are supporting key capital renovations at the Darrington and Arlington libraries and continuing to fund our demonstration libraries in Mariner and Lakewood/Smokey Point.
As we celebrate Library Giving Day today, please think of what your library means to your community, and what 23 connected libraries mean to communities throughout Island and Snohomish counties. If you’re able to support our work and give back to enhancing your library services, we would love to have you as a donor and library champion. Learn more at sno-islefoundation.org.
Luke Distelhorst is board president for the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation. He lives in Edmonds.
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