Renaming the Library Building, Remembering a Friend

Former Councilwoman Peggy Pritchard Olson was a friend of the in more ways than one. Not only was she a member of the Friends of the Edmonds Library group, she also had a strong passion for reading, and for the library itself.

“Peggy was a Council Member and a longtime patron of the Edmonds Library,” said Lelsy Kaplan, the Managing Librarian of the Edmonds Branch. “She was the President of the Friends of the Edmonds Library, and in charge of the annual book sale for many years.”

This evening, the building that houses the library will be officially named the . Olson, who served on the Edmonds City Council for six years, passed away in 2009 after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony this evening in front of the library, and both Mayor Mike Cooper and former Mayor Gary Haakenson will speak. Light refreshments will be served after the ribbon cutting. Eventually a fresh sign with the new name will replace the current one.

“When Peggy was on the Council she would warn everyone that they would have to share a book at meetings,” recalled Kaplan with a smile. “She was always out promoting the library and was definitely known for her love of literature. 

The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. this evening.