Lake Stevens needs a new library. Anyone who has visited our current facility knows this, and anyone who has lived here a while knows it’s been true for very long time.

On Feb. 14, voters within the Lake Stevens School District boundaries will have an opportunity to vote (twice) to finally make that happen. I make a point of mentioning school district boundaries since financing boundaries for libraries are based on those of the school districts.

As a substitute teacher in Lake Stevens, I know that one of the reasons for continued growth in our city is our great schools. Homes within the school district are worth more because of this. In fact, when it comes to the library, homes outside city limits but in the school district have the triple benefit of having access to our schools, being near great libraries in Marysville and Snohomish, and yet not having to pay for those buildings. In essence, others paid it forward for you. Now is our opportunity to build a great library for ourselves, and pay it forward so that others can enjoy it too.

The new library will have plenty of room for our popular toddler and preschool story hours (now overflowing), computers (at least 30) for our students and everyone else to use (we now have seven) and shelves of books for everyone to browse through and find what interests them. There will be meeting room space, reading areas and new services/programs for the general public that are currently not available due to very limited space.

The new library will be a great resource for everyone. The location will be much more convenient for the whole city, and for those outside it too. Please vote yes twice on Feb. 14 for a new Lake Stevens Library!

Penny Dorsey

Lake Stevens