It’s Been a Busy Year at New Library Expansion

— from Mary Pugh for Orcas Island Library —

The Orcas Public Library is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the completion of the expansion project. The community and generous donors contributed to the project that added almost 6,000 square feet to the original building. The additional space gives room for more books, music, talking books, and DVDs. The open floor plan also includes space for browsing, quiet reading, and programs.

In the past year the Library has had more than 120,000 visits by people enjoying the beautiful new space. There have been 43 new programs held in the expanded space, including 10 art exhibits, nine special-interest displays, and a beautiful recurring Ikebana flower presentation. The expanded meeting rooms have allowed for over 600 additional activities including expanded homeschooling and tutoring sessions, English and Spanish language classes, 4-H and Scout meetings, and family game and movie nights. All meeting rooms have expanded telecommunication capabilities including Skype.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the Library is giving away wildflower seed packets as a thank you to the community, stating “as you helped us grow and blossom, enjoy the wildflowers bloom.”