Kitsap Regional Library has received the design concept for the new library in Silverdale prepared by Rice Fergus Miller Architects.

The design is based on the layering of salt water and fresh water that takes place in the adjacent estuary of Clear Creek. When salt and fresh water meet, they don’t mix. The heavier salt water wedges beneath the fresh water, which is forced upwards.

The design concept for the new library represents that wedge and also the rise and fall of the tides that move water in and out of the Clear Creek estuary. The transparency of the building is intended to be the antithesis of the big-box commercial architecture that is so prevalent in Silverdale.

“Rice Fergus Miller has done a great job representing the wishes of the community and the wishes of the Library for the new facility,” said Library Director Jill Jean.

“They heard what people said in our public open house and in our comment sheets and they addressed the top building priorities that were developed,” she said.

Those priorities included: Close and ample parking; dedicated spaces for children, teens and technology; creating an inspiring, highly sustainable, green building; connection to the Clear Creek Trail; creating a social living room; meeting room for library users; and a book sale area for the Friends of Silverdale Library.

The design concept will be used to express the vision for the library as a fundraising effort to pay for the facility begins.

The library has entered into an agreement to purchase the site near Clear Creek for a total of $850,000. The first $100,000 payment is due on May 25, with the remainder of the price due on Nov. 25. The library can reduce the total cost to $800,000 if it can help the property owners find a buyer for the adjacent parcel on Blaine Avenue. The library has pledged to obtain the money needed for the project from private donations and from grants.

To begin the fundraising, the library will update the feasibility study it commissioned in 2012 to test the willingness of local donors and their capacity to support the library project. An initial report on how much money can be raised from donors is scheduled to be presented to the Kitsap Regional Library Board in April.

The fundraising effort could take several years. Initial fundraising will largely take place out of the public eye in one-on-one interactions with potential large donors. Construction will not begin until the funds needed for the entire project are secured.

The new library is expected to have about twice the public space and about three times the parking as the existing Silverdale library in Old Town. The flexibility of interior space means the building can actually act like a much larger library, as common space can be used to expand the children’s, teen or adult areas when needed for programs.