The newly constructed Mount Vernon Library Commons last week hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the building’s recent makeover.

The Mount Vernon Library Commons will serve as a public library space, a community center, and a commercial kitchen. Other amenities of note include public restrooms, a large public electric-charging center with 76 chargers for cars and nine electric-bike charging lockers, a park and ride, and a transit stop for bus riders and commuters, a release said.

The building was designed with sustainability in mind, and, according to the city of Mount Vernon’s project description page, has reduced energy use by 80% compared to the old library building by Passive House standards.

The project cost the city around $56 million, with construction beginning about two years ago.

More than 100 people attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which featured speakers like former Mount Vernon Mayor Jill Boudreau, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, and others.

After the ribbon cutting, attendees toured the new facility. The library is expected to open to the public sometime soon, the release said.

Visit the Mount Vernon Library Commons website here to sign up for its newsletter and find out when the library will open.