Library Fair Chalks Up Another Outstanding Event

— by Olivia Smith —

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On Saturday, August 12, the Friends of the Orcas Island Library hosted the annual library fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Though the day began as overcast and windy, the sun came out in the middle of the festivities.

For over 60 years the fair has helped to raise money for the Orcas Island Public Library, with all proceeds from sales going to support it. Thirty tables held thousands of books, with hardbacks going for $2, paperbacks, DVDs, and CDs for $1, and preschool books for 50 cents apiece. Baked goods were also available by donation as a fundraiser for the 2017 Jr. Vikings team, the Vancouver School for Arts and Academics, and the Orcas School’s 6th grade Nature Bridge Experience in Olympic National Park.

Local handicrafts, food, free ice cream, a quilt raffle and live music also shared the library space. The performer lineup included Katie Jensen on the autoharp, Nita Couchman reading children’s’ stories, Mike Speece and Jimmy Hostler as well as Marc Cohen on guitar, Carl Burger, Tish Knapp, and Mary Franke, Paul Williams and Yohann, and a concluding performance from Piano Joe.

Thanks to the Friends of the Library, thousands of donations are received throughout the year for both the summer and winter book sale; volunteers helping to organize the selection into categories from Poetry & Classics to Travel & Geography to a multi-table Fiction section. Whatever books are not included to sell are sold to a secondhand shop, and anything not sold at the fair is sent to an off-island recycling facility.

This year, the library fair was held for the first time outside of the newly expanded building. The additional 5,000 square foot, $4 million wing was unveiled at its grand opening on June 23. With nearly 6,000 cardholders, 45,000 items in the library collection, and more than 250 classes and programs held per year, the extra space will certainly be put to good use for years to come. Expansions include a larger Young Adult section, quiet reading areas, study and meeting rooms, increased computer space, and more room for community organizations to meet.