The Orcas Island Library will be spending the week of Oct. 18-24 celebrating its Friends of the Library group as part of the 10th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week.

The Orcas Island Library Association was established in 1954 as an all-volunteer lending library. When voters approved the library district in 1988, the association became the Friends of Orcas Island Library. Currently over 100 community members contribute annually, and 20 of these are volunteers who help with fundraising efforts like the Library Fair, Holiday Tea and Winter Booksale.

“The Library has always played such an important role in my life and in my family’s life,” said Friends Treasurer Lynn Carter.

Other officers of the Friends are Tim Lunde, President; Elane Phipps, Vice-President; and Jean Soderquist, Secretary.  “Love letters” to the Friends from the community will be posted throughout the Library for all to view. A history of the early lending libraries will be on display.

“Just as the Orcas Library is a source of pride for our community, our Friends group is a huge source of pride as well,” said Library Director Phil Heikkinen. “Our library is much richer because of the Friends, who contribute so much of their time and expertise to significantly enhance our services. The funds they raise support children and adult programs, Sunday hours, collection purchases, computers and technology, and much more. The Friends have pledged $100,000 to the Books & Beyond: The Next Chapter expansion project.”