What We Do
The Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation funds innovative programs in libraries throughout Snohomish and Island counties. Our purpose is to help local libraries adapt to changing public needs and expand their reach while remaining a centerpiece of community life. Whether promoting early literacy, enhancing the library collection, facilitating discussions about important issues, or bringing the library to the doorsteps of seniors and people with disabilities, the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation helps make libraries an accessible resource for everyone in the community.
Demonstration Libraries & Capital Improvements
The Foundation invests in important capital improvements throughout the Sno-isle Library District and supports demonstration libraries in communities without an established library, such as the Mariner Library and the Lakewood/Smokey Point Library. Today both libraries provide a full range of library services to their local communities.
Express Lockers
Funding from the Foundation made possible the establishment of Sno-Isle's pilot Express Lockers at the Monroe and Camano Island Libraries. Express lockers are self-service hold pickup locations that can be accessed by customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Items are held in lockers for three days. All library materials, except oversized items and book discussion kits, may be checked out through an express locker.
Third-Graders Read Together
The Sno-Isle Libraries "Mega-Fun, Biblio-Trivia, Rockem-Sockem Third-Grade Reading Challenge" is a literary trivia program for students enrolled in public schools throughout Snohomish and Island counties. The program encourages children to have fun and enjoy reading while honing their literacy and teamwork skills.
Why third grade? Research shows that reading ability in third grade can be a tipping point for later academic and life success. Students not reading at grade level are less likely to finish high school which may have consequences later in life.
Children's Programming
The Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation provides more than $100,000 each year to library programs that improve children's literacy, education, and love of reading. Programs supported by the Foundation include:
- Expanding science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) initiatives through programming, training for both staff and caregivers, and community library space enhancements.
- Production of the Ready Reader Video Series, a five-part collection showing parents how to prepare their children to read early and establish a lifetime of reading and knowledge.
- Providing STARS training to child caregivers and educators to help improve overall child care and education.
- Providing Structured Play opportunities and Structured Play kits for children to enhance language and literacy skills.
- Presenting the Every Child Ready to Rock and Read Concert Series.
The Nysether Family Collection
Thanks to the generous ongoing support by the The Nysether Family, the Nysetter Family Collection helps expand and enhance the basic collections of Sno-Isle Libraries.
Issues That Matter
Sno-Isle Libraries is a convener and facilitator, a place where people can come together and discuss the issues that affect their communities.
The Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation began funding the Issues That Matter series in 2010 to encourage important community conversations on high-profile, current event topics. Issues That Matter provides a forum for civil, open discussion with the guidance of expert panelists and facilitators. Forum topics have ranged from the community-level impact of drugs to end-of-life heath care.
Year-round Programs
The Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation helps sustain programming that supports library customers year-round, including the Ready Readers Program, Book Discussion Kits, Sno-Isle Libraries Ambassador Corps, cultural and literacy programs, leadership development, teen programs, and summer learning programs.
Past Programs
Foundation Events
Learn more about some of the exciting events the Foundation has sponsored in the past.
Opportunity Fund
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation established The Opportunity Fund to strengthen access to the Sno-Isle Libraries District that is equitable and inclusive across Snohomish and Island Counties.
TedXSnoIsleLibraries
The Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation is a founding partner for TEDxSnoIsleLibraries. In the spirit of TEDx' ideas worth spreading, TEDxSnoIsleLibraries brought people together through a series of local self-organized events to share a TED-like experience.
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Bookmobile
The Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation completed its first capital campaign in 2013, raising funds to purchase a new bookmobile and cart services van. They continue to bring joy, and of course - books! - to Sno-Isle customers who may face barriers to library access.
Watch: Thank You Bookmobile Donors
Learn more about Library on Wheels
Our Partners
Thank you to our corporate and community partners for their generous support!
©2023 Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation
7312 35th Ave NE
Marysville, WA 98271
360-651-7074 (local)
877-766-4753 ext. 7074