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Even the sun made an appearance at the Federal Way Library opening celebration on Saturday, June 5, which was attended by more than 600 people.

As community members gathered for the celebration, the Todd Beamer High School Jazz Band entertained the crowd. KCLS Director Bill Ptacek then welcomed everyone to the ribbon cutting and open house.  

“The previous building had a lot of walls,” Ptacek said. “When you go into the library, notice how we brought the outside inside.”

The Federal Way Library was expanded by 9,500 square feet, bringing it to a total of 34,500 square feet. It is now the second largest KCLS Library.

Several local dignitaries said a few words, including Federal Way Mayor Linda Kochmar.

 “This building is fabulous inside,” Kochmar said. “The windows are floor to ceiling and let in the outdoors.”

Telling the crowd about his passion for books and reading, State Representative Mark Miloscia said he tells students that it is through books that they can get to know the world.

“Nothing beats a public library; it is a treasure,” Miloscia said. “It helps us to grow our civilization.”

Representing the design team, Bill LaPatra from Mithun Architects described some of the features of the new building. During the design phase of the project, he heard residents say they wanted more seats and books. He described how the new space greatly opens up the building while enhancing the functionality of the spaces inside.

“We thought about the forest and how to bring it into the library,” LaPatra said. “Our mantra became ‘lantern in the forest.’”

Very few trees were taken down to make way for the expanded square footage, LaPatra added. The ones that were taken down were used to build tables for inside the library and for wood accents throughout the building.

Once the doors officially opened, people were invited inside to tour the library and enjoy refreshments provided by the Friends of the Federal Way Libraries. Giveaways included coloring books, bookmarks and fortune cookies with library themed fortunes.