• Burlington's first public library receives historic marker

BURLINGTON — Burlington’s first public library was recognized as a historic landmark Saturday during a sign unveiling and dedication ceremony.
The Burlington Carnegie Library was built in 1919. It was a gift from Andrew Carnegie, one of the richest men in the 1900s.
The library has been closed to the public since 1979 when the city’s new library was built.
The Burlington Carnegie Library will reopen to the public, with its purpose being determined by the Burlington Historical Society, its partners and the community.
The large landmark sign that was unveiled Saturday reads, “Burlington Carnegie Library has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 by the United States Department of the Interior.”
The sign was provided by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a private philanthropic organization based in New York. Since 2005, the foundation has funded about 2,600 historical markers across the United States.
Margie Wilson, a member of the Burlington Historic Preservation Commission, led the ceremony.
Speakers included Carnegie Library Committee Chair Tim Loving, Burlington City Councilmember Jamie Weiss, Skagit County Historical Museum Executive Director Jo Wolfe, Skagit County Commissioner Ron Wesen and Burlington Mayor Bill Aslett.
Loving said repurposing buildings such as the Burlington Carnegie Library is a great way to establish the downtown area and bring people into the city.
Aslett said he looks forward to what the building’s historical status will mean for the future of Burlington.
After the ceremony, community members toured the library.
The Burlington Carnegie Library is at 901 E. Fairhaven Ave.

Ava Ronning can be reached at aronning@skagitpublishing.com, 360-416-2141