SMOKEY POINT – When Laura Wild’s family moved from Marysville two decades ago, her two children checked out 40 books at a time on frequent trips to the library.
When Wild asked Sno-Isle leaders if her new home in Lakewood could have a library, she was told, “No, but we can get you a bookmobile.”
Wild appreciated the twice-monthly bookmobile visits to the high school, and even called the staff “my personal concierges” for knowing hers and others’ reading habits, but she hoped for the day when she could walk through the doors of a local library.
That day came Jan. 6 when Sno-Isle Regional Library System opened the new Lakewood/Smokey Point Library. More than 100 people attended. The turnout spoke volumes about what the library means for local patrons.
“I kept asking if we can have a library, and it’s only taken twenty years but we did it,” said an elated Wild. “I’m kind of blown away, because it’s so warm, inviting and user friendly.”
The library is located in a commercial building at 3411 169th Place NE near the Tractor Supply store and Lowe’s in Smokey Point.
Arlington Mayor Barb Tolbert, who attended with her grand-daughters, thanked Sno-Isle for investing in their community. “This new library is another vital element in our area’s success. Libraries are ideas and information hubs.”
Michael Mack, Lakewood School District superintendent, said libraries are the heartbeat of a community.
He said while the library is a learning place for children and families, it’s also a community space for lifelong learners of all ages.
The new library features comfortable seating, tables for working and studying, a wide selection of books, DVDs and other resources, a community room and special library classes and activities.
Sno-Isle Trustee Rose Olson of Camano Island referenced two big donations: $25,000 came from the Mark and Vickie Fund of the Nysether Family Foundation and $25,000 from the Stillaguamish Tribe.
Library hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursdays, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
“We have wanted to open a library in this location for so long, and it’s nice to see a dream come true for so many people in this area who need and deserve to have library services,” said Rebecca Loney, Sno-Isle director of technical services.
The children’s section in the new Lakewood-Smokey Point Library has plenty of room to stretch out for reading and story times.
Two students share for the cameras why they’re looking forward to the new library, and how they’ll use it. The library includes a teen lounge area with bookshelves offering plenty of young adult titles.
The audience was standing-room only at the opening celebration.
Several local dignitaries joined Sno-Isle Libraries officials and staff for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the Lakewood-Smokey Point Library, the library district’s newest branch.
