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Libraries are magical places. Every book is a window to the world just waiting to be explored. Maybe it’s because I grew up the grandchild of a high school English teacher, who instilled in me a love for language and books – but I’ve always believed libraries are necessities, not luxuries. Not only do they enrich our minds, they also keep our democracy healthy. By providing comprehensive access to recorded details of history, government, philosophy, medicine and countless other topics, libraries protect and defend every citizen’s right to know.

In early January, I had the pleasure of meeting with key stakeholders of the La Conner Regional Library project. Developers are building a library for the 21st century, designed to function as a resource for a diverse, multi-cultural community – supporting cultural literacy, learning innovations, book clubs, job skills training and technology and research help.

Along with being a resource for the young, old and in-between, the finished facility will also showcase an energy-efficient design and construction, including Washington-produced cross-laminated timber (CLT), an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient wood product and a 20k solar system for electrical needs.

To say I was excited to lend my support to this community investment would be an understatement. Few resources are available that empower and inform people like libraries – without bias, judgment or undue influence. They also break down barriers. The homeless, homebound, elderly, blind, hearing impaired and other vulnerable individuals are all served by libraries, which provide a broad range of literacy resources.

As a House Capital Budget Committee member, a committee dedicated to making appropriations for construction and infrastructure projects across the state, I sponsored and advocated for the $640,000 needed to complete the La Conner Regional Library.

And I was not alone in my support. Both of my seatmates also assisted. Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, sponsored the Senate’s version of the funding request and Rep. Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor, pushed behind the scenes on the House’s proposal. Our combined effort got this funding into the House’s proposed 2022 supplemental capital budget.

Although this is an enormous win for the 10th District, the journey is not over for this request. The House’s proposal will be voted on this week. If approved, it will be sent to the full chamber for a vote. The same process will take place in the Senate. After both chambers have approved their versions of the budget, a group of appointed legislative negotiators will meet to work out any differences. Then, in both the House and Senate, legislators will vote on the final version.

It’s my sincere desire to see this project get across the finish line.

Contact me if you have questions about this funding request or other state government-related matters. I’m always happy to hear from you.

Rep. Greg Gilday has practiced law locally for several years. He and his wife, Megan, live on Camano Island with their two sons, Laker and Graham.