Library gets $640,000 from state to finish job

It was one bullet point in Rep. Dave Paul’s, D-Oak Harbor, list of projects the state Legislature funded in the 10th legislative district: “Over $640,000 to complete construction of the La Conner Swinomish Library,” noting “La Conner will finally get a 21st century library.” The funds, requested in February by Town of La Conner and library district officials through efforts initiated by Mayor Ramon Hayes, are in the $64.1 billion supplemental capital budget passed late March 10 before the Legislature adjourned.

Monday Hayes noted the 10th district “is extremely fortunate to have legislators, R(epublican) and D(emocrat), who work together in such an effective and efficient manner. Our legislator’s collaborative efforts have positioned us on the goal line and secured a bright future for the La Conner Library.

Library Director Jared Fair responded for the library team, writing “We are excited to receive this news and grateful to the Town of La Conner for sponsoring this request to our District 10 legislators, Sen. Ron Muzzall, Rep. Dave Paul and Rep. Greg Gilday. Their leadership and support for this major piece of funding for the project represents a commitment to our community as we move forward to complete the new library.”

Construction was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, emphasized its increased costs, writing, “Record inflation isn’t just a problem for families across our state, they are driving costs for everyone, including capital investments needed for the La Conner library. I’m proud to have helped secure funding in this year’s capital budget to support the work in La Conner and fill those gaps.”

Rep. Greg Gilday, R-Camano Island, a member of the House Capital Budget Committee, noted the Mount Vernon Library Commons project received $4 million. He wrote, “These investments will make a big difference in the lives of individuals and families for generations to come. It’s especially gratifying to see that funding for the La Conner Regional Library, Coupeville Boys and Girls Club and Camp Korey Internet and Telemedicine Kids Camp made it across the finish line.” Gilday shared that the Legislature funded over $3.37 million in approved projects in the 10th district.

Paul gave a shout out to “hard work of the library board and staff, volunteers, town leaders, and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.”

Construction started in November and is daily transforming the corner of Morris and Sixth streets. The building is expected to be completed this spring and the new library will open this summer.

The now over $4 million dollar project is funded from multiple state appropriations, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community contributions, Skagit County economic development dollars, years of efforts by the over 90 Friends of the La Conner Library, and ongoing donations from individual and businesses.