Dirt flew through the air, followed quickly by chuckles.

The happy kids digging and playing were helping to celebrate the groundbreaking for construction of the new Sammamish Library.

The $16.9 million project will construct a 19,500-square foot facility just south of Sammamish City Hall, across the Sammamish Commons plaza. The project’s funding comes from the $172 million capital bond approved by voters in order to pay for major upkeep and expansion projects. The new site is slated to open in 2010.

“A building is a building, but it’s the staff that’s the heart and soul,” said Bill Ptacek, director of the King County Library System.

The Skyline High School Choir performed, and about 250 community members helped mark the occasion.

Contractor Kirk McGowan said he’s excited about the project, but perhaps not more so than his 4-year-old daughter. Every day since she found out about the project, she has asked him when it would start, he said.

Friends of the Sammamish Library Vice President Dee Carrel said she was thrilled as well.

“I have a wonderful feeling about this library and its staff,” Carrel said.

Issaquah resident Angie Shen, who attended with her daughter, Kelsey, said after the ceremony that Kelsey has really grown with the library.

“We love it so much. She learns a lot from the library.”