Learn about the new Sumner Library

New Sumner Library construction begins

Sumner community members celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Sumner LibrarySite work for the new library on East Main Street began on Oct. 19, 2026. Construction is expected to take approximately 22-24 months, with a projected opening date to be announced as the project nears completion. 

Throughout construction, the current Sumner Library will remain open and continue serving the community. 

We are incredibly grateful to voters for supporting their Sumner Pierce County Library. The results of the vote demonstrate the trust Sumner citizens have in the Pierce County Library System and are committed to upholding that trust by building an inclusive library with spaces and services to meet the community’s needs.

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Project Milestones 

  • Oct. 19, 2026: Site work begins, with the first visible phase involving the removal of more than 18,000 tons of pre-load soil from the site. 
  • Aug. 11, 2026: W.G. Clark Construction Co. is awarded the construction contract for the new library. 
  • 2025-2026: Project team completes design refinements, site preparation, permitting, bidding and rebidding processes, and construction contracting. 
  • Oct. 2, 2025: Community members, partners and project leaders celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Sumner Pierce County Library on East Main Street.  
  • 2024-2025: The Library secured project funding, collected community feedback, completed initial designs and advanced plans for the new library. 
  • 2023-early 2024: Community members shared input through surveys, and the Library completed planning, facility evaluations and the creation of the LCFA governing structure. 
  • Aug. 1, 2023: Sumner voters approve the Library Capital Facility Area and bond measure to fund construction of a new library. 

Features of the new Sumner Library 

  • Expand from 10,000 square feet to 17,500 square feet. 
  • Feature natural light, extensive wood elements, landscaping, and a large, covered porch. 
  • Reflect Sumner’s agricultural history and connection to the land and rivers, using sloped roofs, wood, metal, covered outdoor space and landscaping. 
  • Welcome and serve people of all ages, including children, teens, families, students, older adults and community groups. 
  • Include a dedicated teen space shaped by input from Sumner teens, featuring flexible furniture, spaces for studying and gathering and technology. 
  • Offer an indoor/outdoor area by the children’s area, along with a sensory room. 
  • Incorporate sustainable design features, including rooftop solar panels, six electric vehicle charging stations and a design goal of LEED Silver certification. 
  • Provide a Community Partner Space where community organizations can connect people with services and resources. 
Entrance rendering for Sumner Library by Johnston Architects
Adult area rendering for Sumner Library by Johnston Architects
Childrens area rendering for Sumner Library by Johnston Architects

Renderings courtesy of Johnston Architects.

Funding the new Sumner Library 

The new Sumner Library has an estimated total cost of $22 million, funded through voter-approved bonds supported by the Taxpayers of Washington State, Library System contributions, state funding and private philanthropy.

  • PCLS is contributing $5 million through a combination of funding sources, including a $3 million capital campaign led by the Pierce County Library Foundation and funding from the Washington State Capital Budget. These contributions helped reduce the amount that needed to be financed through bonds. 
  • The Pierce County Library Foundation has raised $2.7 million toward its $3 million fundraising goal. 

Discover how private philanthropy is helping build a new Sumner Library.

The Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) is a temporary, independent taxing district created to help fund a significant portion of the new Sumner Library. The LCFA is administered by the Library System and Pierce County.

Key facts:

  • $15 million of the project funding comes from voter-approved bonds.
  • The LCFA includes all properties within the Sumner city limits.
  • The Pierce County Library System is responsible for overseeing construction of the new library and will manage and operate the library once it opens.
  • The LCFA is governed by three members of the Pierce County Council who are selected by the full Pierce County Council.
  • The LCFA will own the library building while the project bonds are being repaid, which is expected to be approximately 20 years (up to a maximum of 21 years).
  • During that time, the LCFA will lease the building to PCLS.
  • Through an inter-local agreement, the Library System will manage construction of the new library and operate the facility on behalf of the LCFA.
  • Once the bonds are fully repaid, the LCFA will dissolve and transfer ownership of the building to PCLS.