Editor,

The Langley Library is the physical and cultural cornerstone of downtown Langley. Built in 1923, the library turns 100 years old this year. Langley’s first woman mayor, Helen Coe, spearheaded the building project, raising the necessary funds and establishing the Langley Civic Club (which later became known as Friends of the Langley Library).

The library has undergone two major renovations in its history. The first, in 1981, included the addition of the center section and entrance stairway we use today. In 1994, the west wing addition more than doubled the original small building’s footprint. The Friends of the Langley Library played an integral part in both of the library renovations by raising funds and recruiting volunteer labor.

A third Langley Library renovation is scheduled to be completed in 2023. This project will update the interior and exterior of the building while preserving its historic charm. The ways people use libraries have changed significantly over the past 100 years. Designs for this project—informed by input from the community—will make our library more useful, more welcoming, and more accessible than it is today. The Friends of the Langley Library Board of Directors has been involved in the planning process from the beginning, and happily pledged $30,000 — raised through community members’ contributions — to the project. We think Mayor Coe would approve.

Jill Edwards, President

Friends of the Langley Library