Photo by Zaini Izzuddin on Unsplash

By Soo-jung Lee

Central Skagit Sedro-Woolley Public Library has been providing diverse books and programs for members at Skagit County for almost 10 years. Throughout their history, the library’s effort for the development of the cultural life of its inhabitants in Skagit Valley. The Central Skagit Library District was created by ballot initiative in November 2012. In the Spring of 2013, the Skagit Board of County Commissioners appointed the 5 members of the Board of Trustees for the library district. Throughout 2014 the Board worked to secure office space and hire a library director. The first location at 100 West State Street in Sedro-Woolley was a 750 square foot office. Nevertheless, the library district implemented digital services to provide patrons access to eBooks, digital audiobooks, digital journals, and other databases for research.

By 2015, the library began checking out physical materials such as books, movies, and audiobooks. The first summer library programs were offered throughout the library district. During this period, reciprocal borrowing agreements with Upper Skagit Library and La Conner Regional Library were authorized. In 2017 the library district began bookmobile services at locations in Samish, Hickson, Big Lake, and Clear Lake. In February 2018, public library services were consolidated and moved into the city library location at 802 Ball Street in Sedro-Woolley. Processing and administrative services remained at the 720 Metcalf location.

Renovations and restructuring of the Ball Street location floor plan were made prior to reopening as the Central Skagit Sedro-Woolley Library. The Library Partnership requested and received a $1.5M capital appropriation from the legislature to supplement the $8 M in local funds for the project. The new library project moved into the design phase and site preparation began at 110 West State Street. The new library project was expected to go to bid in April of 2019 with construction to begin in June of 2019, and the library is now moving to 110 W State Street. This will provide a more pleasant reading environment for Skagit Valley members.

These days, the library district has reciprocal borrowing contracts in place with all public libraries in Skagit County. This opens up opportunities for residents to access various books conveniently.

The library is currently in Phase 2 Service, Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm for Curbside Pick-up and Returns. Their service stops on holidays. To use the library, users must get a library card. Residents who live in the unincorporated areas of the Sedro-Woolley School District and the city of Sedro-Woolley are eligible for a library card with no fee. Those who own property can have the address verified by staff through the Skagit Assessor’s property database. ​For those residents of areas that do not support library services through property taxes, a library card may be purchased for the household for $80 per year.

Considering the current situation of the Corona pandemic, the library opened an online register to people get a library card. People are able to visit the library’s online catalog and register. Online registrants will have to provide proof of eligibility to keep library cards active once the crisis has passed.

Furthermore, the library offers each program for children, teenagers, and adults. For children, the free fun with stories, songs, and more encourages the development of school-ready skills are provided every Monday at 10 am. Children are able to meet new friends, and the option to share something special each week through this program. More diverse programs are offered to teenagers, including free take-home activity kits which include enjoyable activities they can do at home. In addition, teenagers are can participate in D&D Club that they can go on an expedition through Zoom to kill monsters and find treasures, and STEAM, YouTube series. For adults, Books on Tap which is a discussion group, and YouTube channels are opened. The library’s YouTube channel is gaining popularity as it deals with everyday topics such as cooking and beauty. Providing various programs considering each age group of the library members is expanding the presence of Skagit Sedro-Woolley Public Library.

Moon-young Park, an event planner said, “Considering various age groups, the library’s program is very well-organized. Everyone is given the opportunity to participate in the program and promote harmony among local residents.” In fact, many residents are using the service to make local friends and revitalize their daily lives. Christopher Song, a Skagit Valley resident said, ” I met 4 friends in this program last week. We could share the same hobby through the library program. ”

The library will continue to provide local residents with various reading materials as well as programs to enjoyable programs. If you want more detail about Skagit Sedro-Woolley Public Library, visit their website below. https://www.centralskagitlibrary.org/index.html