EDMONDS, Wash. — Hundreds of people braved the cold to welcome back the Edmonds Library, which had been closed since a water main break flooded the space in the summer of 2022.
Saturday marked a new chapter to a story that's been in the works for more than a year.
"This community has been ready and waiting for this moment and we are just so excited," said R.D. Burley with Sno-Isle Libraries. KING 5 spoke with him about 18 months ago when a water main in the Edmonds Library burst.
The extensive damage forced the library to shut down. Sno-Isle Libraries invested $2.5 million to bring it back to life, making it more accessible and sustainable for visitors through its mix of seating options, and newly remodeled interior.
“Full accessibility, adjustable height desk for all of our computers. Just a mix of seating that meets everyone’s needs,” said Burley. “We also looked at sustainability, where all of our furniture and furnishing were made with sustainable, easy to clean products.”
Many visitors KING 5 spoke with were impressed with the remodel.
"So, so good, we've been waiting for this day, and we were so excited for this day when we got the mailer and my kids, we're just super pumped to come this morning," said Brianne Hoag.
What was once flooded with water is once again flooded with families and bookworms alike, including the new mayor of Edmonds.
"It's one of the coldest days that we've had in a really long time and hundreds and hundreds of people come to see a new library,” said Mike Rosen, the mayor of Edmonds. “This started as a disaster, we had a flood and the people of Edmonds say that's not a disaster that's an opportunity."
The library is open daily. As the community turns the page on an indefinite closure, they hope will never take place again.
"It's been closed for so long,” said Elena Hoag. “I was so excited. I love coming here and just looking at the books and being able to read and stuff. I love this place."