The Library Journal named Orcas Island Library District a Star Library in its annual LJ Index of Public Library Service, one of only three libraries in the state to receive the honor. Now in its 14th year, the LJ Index compares U.S. libraries with their peers based on per capita circulation, door count, program attendance, public computer use, public Wi-Fi use, and electronic information retrievals. The 2021 scores and ratings are based on 2019 data, so this year’s Star Libraries represent a sort of pre-pandemic time capsule.

Former Library Director Phil Heikkinen, who retired at the end of 2021 after 17 years of distinguished service, recognized the strong work of staff, volunteers, and Friends of the Library which drove the achievement. For example, from 2018 to 2019, the Library saw a 22% increase in children’s program attendance and a 29% increase in adult program attendance thanks to Children’s Librarian Jenny De Groot and Program Coordinator Mary Pugh. Mary also retired from the Library in 2021 after more than 25 years of service, working in nearly every role after starting as a volunteer.

Thanks to our Collection Developers the overall collection increased by 9% over the same year, with the video collection increasing nearly 300%! And patrons (270 more than in 2018) responded with 3300 more visits and nearly 4600 more checkouts compared to 2018. Our wonderful volunteers made all of this extra service possible by increasing their hours 5% over 2018. The Library hosted nearly 1000 more Wi-Fi sessions and received over 2000 more visits to the website from 2018. And, for 2020, while LJ’s Star Library awards are a year away for that service year, Orcas Island Library again featured prominently in the Washington State Library’s Top-Ten lists for per capita library visits, checkouts, and other measures.

The Library staff and supporters wish to thank Phil for his many years of dedicated service. As one team member put it, “Phil’s leadership allowed Library staff to flourish through their strengths and interests, all of which led to quality service.” In a recent interview, Phil said he was proudest of “spoiling the patrons” in ways that made it easy to access, use, and return items in the collection. He is also pleased with the increased use of the Library as a community gathering place over the years and with the level of service the Library has maintained during the pandemic, focusing on providing the best possible service, safely and responsibly.

Phil served as Library Director from 2004-2021. His predecessor, Victoria Parker, also had a long tenure of 16 years. Phil says the most important predictor of longevity is having a good match with the community. Phil said that, when he started, he was surprised by and grateful for the sense of community ownership in the Library. People are passionate about the details of the Library’s operations and willing to share their opinions. He recommends that when a new director is brought on board, they learn about the community, its history, and its crucial issues in order to work hard to serve the entire population, and to support intellectual freedom.

We wish Phil well as he focuses on the homestead and looks for his next way to contribute to the community moving forward. If you ever want a game of chess, give Phil a call!