PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Participate in an open house to learn more about plans for a new Sumner Pierce County Library at the current library located at 1116 Fryar Ave., on Wednesday, June 28, 11 a.m.-noon or 6-7 p.m. The Pierce County Library System and City of Sumner are asking voters to consider funding a new Sumner Library in the Aug. 1 Primary Election.

“At the open houses we want to answer your questions and hear your interests in a new library for your community.” said Library Executive Director Gretchen Caserotti. “We understand funding for the library is a personal decision for each resident. Knowing the library needs to move from the existing building, a new library in the heart of town will make the library more accessible to everyone.”

The Sumner Library needs to move because its current location, which the City of Sumner owns, requires costly repairs, is undersized for the population it serves and does not meet current needs, and it is difficult to access. The Library System’s lease in the current Sumner Library building expires in 2024.

The ballot measure would create a Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) and bonds to construct a new Sumner Library building. The LCFA would be an independent taxing district, separate from the City, the Library System and Pierce County, for the sole purpose of funding a new Sumner Library. The Library System would oversee the building construction, and then manage and operate the Sumner Library. When the construction debt is repaid, the plan would be for the Library System to own the building.

The Library System estimates the total project cost at $19 million in today’s market, for an up to 20,000 square foot building. $15 million of the funding would come from bonds, if voters approve an LCFA and bond ballot measure. In addition, the Library System is committed to contributing $5 million through a variety of sources, including private donations and $2 million from Washington State’s capital budget.

The City of Sumner purchased 1.67 acres for the new library, which subsequently the Library System bought from the city. The centrally located library, planned for Main Street East, would be inclusive and local, with spaces and services to meet community needs.

With $15 million in bonds, the homeowner of the average assessed home in Sumner would invest approximately $10 per month in additional property taxes for the new library. The average home in Sumner has an assessed value of approximately $514,000.

If voters do not approve the measure, the Library System would look for space to lease to serve as a Sumner Library. The space would be based upon availability and suitability.

More information: sumlib.pcls.us

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477