Snohomish Carnegie Library’s restoration worth the wait

You won’t be disappointed when you drive down First Street in Snohomish and arrive at Cedar to see the building on the corner with its handsome and welcoming color and detail. The City of Snohomish deserves our gratitude for its restoration of the 1909 Carnegie Library at First and Cedar. From the reveal of the original Prairie Style facade with its VanBriggle tiles and printers’ marks to the 7-foot crystal chandelier in the interior, it is a treasure. I am grateful to all of the Carnegie Foundation Board members who joined the mission along its almost 20-year trajectory starting in 2002. They persevered through the years keeping to their vision, gathering overwhelming support from businesses and community members.

The city and the foundation worked to maintain and improve the original structure and grounds including the Veterans Memorial Park. They successfully lobbied the state Legislature and the federal government for grants designated for restoration of significant historic buildings. The foundation kept the hope alive. They kept their goal in the public view. As one who grew up in this small town with a Carnegie Library I could not be happier with the result of the completed project. Well done.

Julie Davis

Snohomish