Library to reopen in two weeks, all locations closed for a week

Published 12:35 pm Tuesday, March 11, 2014

By NATALIE MARTIN

The newly renovated and expanded Vashon Library will reopen Saturday, March 29, the King County Library System announced  last week.

The county will celebrate the reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that the community is invited to that morning.

“I am thrilled beyond all comprehension,” said Jan Riley, the library’s information supervisor, of the announcement. “I love the building, and I can’t wait to get back over there.”

County officials and state Sen. Sharon Nelson are expected to attend the Saturday morning ribbon cutting, Riley said. Island musician Sarah Perlman  and some of her students will be outside to provide music for the event, and a tent will be on hand in case of rain.

Once the ribbon is cut and the library opens, attendees can explore the new building and use the library as normal. Refreshments will be served, and the Free Range Folk Choir will perform.

Vashon Library staff are already preparing for the big move from the library’s temporary digs in the IGA plaza back to the remodeled building, Riley said. In order to move the books, computers and other items, the library will be closed for five days later this month, from Monday, March 24, through Friday, March 28.

“There will be no book drop, no phones, no nothing,” Riley said.

Any books due during that time, can be returned once the new building opens, she said.

The ribbon-cutting celebration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29. After that, the library will resume its regular hours of operation.