At an Orcas Library Board meeting on April 13, the Trustees decided unanimously to defer looking into a library expansion possibility because of the current economic downturn.

John Ashenhurst, Board President, told the Trustees that specific donations, once thought available to fund the construction phase of the expansion, had been withdrawn because of the distressed economy. These potential donations had been linked to – and contingent upon – a modest library levy lift which would have provided funds for maintaining the expanded library facility.

Despite deciding to shelf plans to seek a levy lift on the November ballot, the Trustees noted that demand for additional library services continues to rise, and that the present facilities and staff will become hard-pressed to maintain current levels of service.

“We’re waiting for the economic upturn,” Ashenhurst said, “when the library will resume planning for a necessary expansion. Our library is, after all, one of the most important institutions on Orcas, and must continue its mission of serving the needs of all its patrons.”

Alan Lichter, Community Relations Chair for the Library Board, is available to answer questions at 376-5595.