I am writing to express my appreciation for the many ways in which our library has contributed to the quality of life on Orcas, and to encourage the Orcas community to support the proposed library expansion. For me, the Library is an essential and continual source of nourishment, intellectual stimulation, entertainment, and community.

As a volunteer, I am acutely aware of the pressing need for more accessible shelf space to house the increase in books, CDs, DVDs, and periodicals. How wonderful it is to read a book review, request the book, and have it in your hands in a short time.

I am grateful for the opportunity to teach classes at the Library, as well as to coordinate the Writers Roundtable each month. The Friends of the Library have generously supported writing workshops where nationally recognized poets and writers have come to Orcas to teach. Other wonderful classes and workshops continue to be part of the Life Long Learning program.

I consider the library to be central to the well-being of our community, and hope, with the generous support of all, the expansion will become a reality.

JoEllen Moldoff