EVERETT—Sno-Isle Libraries has taken a major step forward in establishing a permanent, community-driven library in Everett’s Mariner neighborhood with the start of site-clearing activities this week for its upcoming Mariner Library Community Campus that will expand equitable access to educational, cultural, and community resources in the rapidly growing Mariner area.
Beginning the week of November 18, 2025, crews will clear the 0.8-acre parcel owned by the library district at the northeast corner of 4th Avenue W and 128th Street SW. The highly visible site, acquired by Sno-Isle Libraries in June 2024 for $4.5 million, sits adjacent to property purchased by the Everett Housing Authority in March 2025 for $2.79 million. The combined parcels will enable development of the Mariner Library Community Campus—a ground-level library with affordable housing units above.
“This moment has been years in the making, made possible through strong partnerships and the unwavering support of our community,” said Eric Howard, executive director of Sno-Isle Libraries. “Together, we are taking the first visible step toward a shared vision of a library that will serve as a welcoming place for everyone to learn, grow, and belong.”
Arlington-based general contractor Skycorp LTD will perform the clearing work over several days. One existing structure will be removed, with materials recycled or salvaged whenever feasible, aligning with the district’s sustainability priorities. Officials said the work will have minimal impact on the surrounding area.
The future Mariner Library Community Campus is designed to become a central resource for approximately 230,000 residents in the unincorporated south Snohomish County area — a population that would rank as Washington’s third-largest city if incorporated.
Project funding to date includes a $4.15 million from the Washington State Local Community Project program and seed funding from the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation. Additional staffing and resources are being provided by Sno-Isle Libraries and nonprofit partners, while the district continues to pursue further grants.
Site planning will be led by Johnston Architects, with construction of the new Mariner Library Community Campus anticipated to begin in 2027. In the meantime, library services will continue uninterrupted at the current temporary location at 520 128th St SW, Suites A9 and A10.
Author: Mario Lotmore
