Sumner Library
Pierce County Library System selected Johnston Architects to design the new Sumner Library, a welcoming and future-focused civic space shaped by community voices. Rooted in Sumner’s small-town character and forward-looking vision, the design balances history and innovation to create flexible spaces for learning, connection, and belonging.
Details
LOCATION Sumner WA
SIZE 20,000 SF
COMPLETED 2023
PARTNER ARCHITECT Architecture for Everyone
The library bridges two worlds: Main Street’s public rhythm and the quiet scale of nearby homes. A warm wood base grounds the building, while a metal roofline and expansive windows connect it to the sky and landscape beyond.
Inside, a softly curved, double-height volume contrasts the building’s rectilinear exterior, leading patrons from open stacks into smaller reading rooms and specialized spaces for all ages.
Children, tweens, and teens each have their own zones, complemented by adult reading areas, study rooms, and flexible meeting spaces.
Extensive outreach with library staff, leadership, and residents guided every design decision. Conversations with patrons helped identify what mattered most, creating a library that reflects local values while anticipating the evolving needs of the Sumner community.
The project is targeting LEED Silver certification, minimizing its carbon footprint through mindful material choices, energy efficiency, and a design that will serve the community for decades to come.