Groundbreaking at the Library: Smiles and Sharing a Special Secret

— by Madeleine Treneer —

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There was an excited, joyful feeling in the air as islanders gathered to witness the groundbreaking ceremony for the Eastsound Library expansion on Saturday morning.  This event attracted entire families, ranging from young kids to older seniors, to enjoy this groundbreaking moment. Some people stood in line for the different delicious food offered such as the bratwurst hotdogs. The younger library supporters toured the fun activities that were offered, such as ring toss or face painting. The adults enjoyed eating and socializing at the table while the kids were running around and playing.

All the library staff was present as well as many volunteers, supporters and investors over the years.

Library Trustees Board President, Margaret Payne started off the celebration by asking the audience why they loved the library. One person said, “I love the library because it is the best place for my little girl,” while another said, “It is a place full of endless discovery,” and a child said, “I love to read. It is my favorite thing to do”.

After that Margaret told the history of Orcas Island Library and its many qualities. “It has a timeless style and it is such a gorgeous building,” she said, which explains why “Our island is consistently in the top five libraries in the state, per capita, for cardholders, checkouts, user visits and collection size.”

She told the story of her first visit to the library. She was struck by the “polite staff” and the “beautiful building.” She also wondered why there were computers in the middle of the library; and noted that in 1992, when the library was built, not many people used computers, and the internet had just been invented. Now the expansion plans call to remove the computers from the center aisle and extend the reading room. She said, “The library is a place that offers free access to information to everyone in the community, welcoming and supporting all, regardless of age, income, race, gender, ability, or sexual orientation.

“Not only that, it is a place to study, read, browse and to hang-out.” Many thanks were given to the library staff, Friends of the Library members, many volunteers and the generous donors.

“Let’s break some dirt!” Margaret said to start off the digging.

The crowd then rushed to go witness the ceremonial ground-breaking. Each of the team took a gold-plated shovel. They started off by just using shovels and then upgraded to using the excavator. Many people learned to use the machine including a few talented children who were excited to use it.

This event seemed to have really brought people together and it almost felt like the library was a special shared secret that everyone could appreciate. As Margaret Payne said “it takes an island to throw a party.”