Old library to close soon
December 2, 2009
By Ari Cetron
By Ari Cetron
In less than two weeks, the Sammamish Library will be closing as part of its move to a new location.
So, for all of those nostalgic about the current building, Dec. 13 is the last chance to go in and browse the collection.
The new library, which will contain the current collection, plus an expanded number of books, DVDs, CDs and other media, will open Jan. 9.
“We’ve been given one of the largest opening day collections,” said Bobbie Daniel, cluster coordinator for the King County Library System.
In between, library staffers will be boxing up books at the current location and shelving them at the new library.
“We move those books, and we move those books,” said Daniel.
The new 19,500 square foot, $16.3 million building is next to City Hall. Construction began last December. The new facility was paid for by a 2004 bond approved by King County voters.
The existing library is one of the most heavily used in the system, Daniel said. The children’s section in particular is popular.
Children’s reading groups are usually at the top of the list in terms of the number of children who participate and how much they read, Daniel said.
At any given time, two-thirds of the children’s collection is checked out, Daniel said. (See related story, Page 6)
“We generally stock 10-20 copies of popular titles, but when you go in, you’ll only see two or three on the shelf,” she said.
The new building will allow for much more space and will include expanded meeting facilities.
Once the old building has closed, people will no longer be able to walk through and look at the books.
However, the library will be open limited hours for picking up books placed on hold (visit www.kcls.org/sammamish for a list of dates and times).
The main library won’t be open, the pick up will take place in the conference rooms.
Patrons will also be able to return books as usual through Jan. 5, 2010.
Jan. 6, 7 and 8 there will be no option for returns. Daniel said that the library will forgive any overdue fines for those days.
“If we can’t offer you a convenient place to drop off your books, we’re not going to charge you,” she said.
The new library is set to open Jan. 9, and library officials are in the process of planning opening day festivities, and setting up agreements for satellite parking when needed.
The opening day, Daniels said, will likely stretch out for more of an opening month worth of programs and activities. Details have not yet been firmed up.
“We chose to, sort of, break it up,” she said.
Library staff and trained docents will also be on had to give patrons a tour of the new digs.
Popular library programs, like children’s story times, will be on hiatus until February, but Daniel said they will return.
Editor Ari Cetron can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 233, or samrev@isspress.com. To comment on this story, visit www.SammamishReview.com
In less than two weeks, the Sammamish Library will be closing as part of its move to a new location.
So, for all of those nostalgic about the current building, Dec. 13 is the last chance to go in and browse the collection.
The new library, which will contain the current collection, plus an expanded number of books, DVDs, CDs and other media, will open Jan. 9.
Construction continues on the new Sammamish Library, slated to open Jan.9. Photo by Christopher Huber
“We’ve been given one of the largest opening day collections,” said Bobbie Daniel, cluster coordinator for the King County Library System.
In between, library staffers will be boxing up books at the current location and shelving them at the new library.
“We move those books, and we move those books,” said Daniel.
The new 19,500 square foot, $16.3 million building is next to City Hall. Construction began last December. The new facility was paid for by a 2004 bond approved by King County voters.
The existing library is one of the most heavily used in the system, Daniel said. The children’s section in particular is popular.
Children’s reading groups are usually at the top of the list in terms of the number of children who participate and how much they read, Daniel said.
At any given time, two-thirds of the children’s collection is checked out, Daniel said. (See related story, Page 6)
“We generally stock 10-20 copies of popular titles, but when you go in, you’ll only see two or three on the shelf,” she said.
The new building will allow for much more space and will include expanded meeting facilities.
Once the old building has closed, people will no longer be able to walk through and look at the books.
However, the library will be open limited hours for picking up books placed on hold (visit www.kcls.org/sammamish for a list of dates and times).
The main library won’t be open, the pick up will take place in the conference rooms.
Patrons will also be able to return books as usual through Jan. 5, 2010.
Jan. 6, 7 and 8 there will be no option for returns. Daniel said that the library will forgive any overdue fines for those days.
“If we can’t offer you a convenient place to drop off your books, we’re not going to charge you,” she said.
The new library is set to open Jan. 9, and library officials are in the process of planning opening day festivities, and setting up agreements for satellite parking when needed.
The opening day, Daniels said, will likely stretch out for more of an opening month worth of programs and activities. Details have not yet been firmed up.
“We chose to, sort of, break it up,” she said.
Library staff and trained docents will also be on had to give patrons a tour of the new digs.
Popular library programs, like children’s story times, will be on hiatus until February, but Daniel said they will return.
Editor Ari Cetron can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 233, or samrev@isspress.com.
Other Stories of Interest: Sammamish Library
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