New Sumner Library - Open House

A discussion with Library leaders and architects

We're excited to talk with you about the possibilities for your new Sumner Pierce County Library! All are invited to join a discussion with Library leaders and architects at an open house.

What do you want for your new Sumner Library?

During the next couple of months – January and February 2023 – we are engaging with Sumner residents to hear your ideas for spaces and services.

• We want to hear your interest and inspiring ideas for your new, welcoming community resource – a new Sumner Library.
• We want to know your ideas for spaces and services in the new building.
• We want to understand the features, activities or services the community hopes to have in their new library.

In 2019, the Pierce County Library System conducted extensive public engagement to learn the public’s interest in a new library for Sumner. Overall, thousands of residents from Sumner participated in the Library System’s engagement efforts.

• In all, 88% of survey respondents wee interested in a new library in Sumner.
• Specifically, 85% selected access to books, movies, music and other materials as their top priority, with space for reading and relaxing (69%), space for events and classes (68%), space for studying or working (67%), and space for technology (65%).

Then, the pandemic paused our engagement with the community about the new library. We are reigniting our engagement with the community in our continued commitment to shape a building and services reflecting the community’s needs and values.

Fast Facts

WHO: A library for you, your family, your neighbors for multi-generational learning, enjoyment and community.
The library will be a space and place for everyone in the community – from toddlers to teenagers to millennials and grandparents.

WHAT: The new 15,000-20,000 square foot library will be up to twice the size of the current Sumner Library. Communities with libraries add to thriving economies and a good quality of life. It will include: 

• Books and movies to check out, computers and technology, and meeting spaces and study areas, as well as other services based upon the community’s needs.
• Universal designs for people of all abilities and ages.
• Sustainable building practices.
• Space for community partners to provide much-needed services that are not easily available or accessible in east Pierce County.

WHERE: 15126 Main St. E. Back on Main Street, close to where the library began serving the community more than 90 years ago.

• This puts the library close to schools, the senior center, shopping and where people live.
• The library will be a destination for children and families to develop a love of reading with literacy rich activities.

WHY: The City of Sumner owns the current 10,600-square-foot Sumner Library, as well as the land. The Library System leases the space. The building is undersized for the population it serves, and it is difficult to access. The City of Sumner’s Town Center Plan envisions different uses for the current library location and relocating the library.

HOW: With a potential Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) and bond as well as donations from individuals and organizations, the community will enjoy a new state-of-the-art modern building, with a hometown cozy feel. Private donations and state funding will help offset the costs to taxpayers. The Library System projects the building to cost approximately $15 million to $19 million, with the following funding sources:

• $12 million to $15 million from a potential bond,  
• $3 million from donations, and
• Potentially another $1 million or more from state appropriations, which could further reduce the potential bond amount.

Ultimately, if voters agree to create an LCFA, the residents in that area would fund the new building with a $12 million to $15 million bond. 

The Library System realizes in these economic times any such additional costs to taxpayers is a carefully weighed decision. That is why the Library is engaging with the community about what is most important to residents for services and spaces in a possible new library and investing in their generation and the next generation.

Upcoming events