Kitsap Regional Library is partnering with Central Kitsap School District to construct a new public library in Silverdale.

The library will be located on the Central Kitsap High School and Central Kitsap Middle School campus on the corner of Anderson Hill and Bucklin Hill Roads. The idea was brought to KRL by the district in early 2018. In September of last year, both KRL and CKSD entered into a long-term partnership agreement that was approved by both boards.

An old 1970s building, which served as Central Kitsap High School’s cafeteria and common area until the new CKHS building was completed, will be extensively remodeled to house both the CKSD Administration Center and the new library. The library will be more than twice as big as the current one, including large windows for natural lighting and views toward Dyes Inlet and Mount Ranier.

The Kitsap Regional Library Foundation is looking to raise $5.5 million to bring the plan to fruition, according to krl.org.

Parking will be an enhanced feature at the new facility. During weekday hours, there will be at least four times as many parking spaces as there are at the current Silverdale Library. On evenings, weekends and school holidays, at least eight times more parking spaces will be available.

KRL defines the surrounding area as a “community campus,” which features Central Kitsap High School, Central Kitsap Middles School, a 900-seat auditorium, outdoor space, a walking trail, sports fields, and tennis courts. Besides the schools themselves, all other features will be available to the community outside of school needs.

Currently, KRL is working with architects and interior designers to design the library and shared space, in partnership with CKSD. Back in April, the state awarded the KRL Foundation a total of $1.85 million in the capital budget, $250,000 of which came from the 2018 capital budget.

The building remodel is expected to begin in early 2020. The new library is expected to be open by early 2021.