One hundred years ago, on Feb. 17, 1911, a new library opened in Edmonds on 118 5th Ave. N. The building was funded through the foundation of self-made millionaire Andrew Carnegie, who believed that libraries should be available to everyone. The brick and stone building, which is now on the National Register of Historic Buildings, served as a library on the upper floor, and as City Hall on the bottom floor.

The Edmonds Library has since relocated to a larger building on Main Street, and the Carnegie library building now serves as home to the Edmonds Historical Museum. So on Thursday night, the Edmond-South Snohomish County Historical Society commemorated the building’ 100th birthday with a ribbon cutting, featuring Society Vice President Jack Hall and Edmonds Mayor Mike Cooper doing the honors.

After the ceremony, Cooper delivered a brief speech thanking Historical Society members “for taking care of this marvelous treasure,” followed by a celebration with sparkling cider and cake.