A bigger library for Black Diamond is ready for its coming-out party.
The new $5 million branch of the King County Library System will make its official debut this Saturday with grand-opening celebration.
The festivities are scheduled to start at 10 a.m., capping a lengthy process that started when voters approved funding for new libraries and upgrades of existing libraries in a countywide bond measure four years ago and came close to its culmination this week as books and other materials were moved from the existing Black Diamond library to the new one at 24707 Roberts Dr.
At 5,000 square feet, the new library is substantially larger than its predecessor. The additional space will include more materials, computers, areas for young children and teenagers, and a community meeting room, library officials said.
The new era in library servies for Black Diamond will come with a temporary price. The old library, located a stone’s throw away at 24301 Roberts Dr., is expected to be closed through Friday while the move is being made. Items on hold are still available pickup, however. Additional information is available at (360) 886-1105 and www.kcls.org.
BNBuilders Inc. was the contractor for construction of the library. The design work was done by the architectural firm of Miller-Hull Partnership.
Black Diamond’s branch is among the projects being paid for through the $172 million capital bond that was passed by voters in September 2004. Plans for new construction, such as in Black Diamond, and for other improvements of the library system were developed through community input before the election.
The bond funds will also pay for ongoing maintenance and upkeep once the Black Diamond library is open.
Enhancements for all 43 county library branches have either been completed, are in progress or are on thd drawing board.
Covington’s branch is another of the more recent projects to be concluded. After being closed for six months, it reopened March 8 to a large turnout of about 500 patrons and public officials for a grand-opening celebration. The remodeling cost $6.4 million.
