Library Friends’ Holiday Tea Greets Island Newcomer

Lois Cornell serves tea to Rusty Diggs at the Friends of the Orcas Library Holiday Tea. Ida Rae McDonald looks on.

By Jennifer Sturk

When walking into the front door of the Orcas Island Public Library, it was obvious that something special was underway.

The 51st Annual Friends of Orcas Library Holiday Tea, in the Library Conference room, looked as if it had come straight from a classic, holiday storybook. There were delicious desserts, two gorgeous tea sets and even a table with treats, specifically for the youngest holiday-goer. The lovely centerpiece was done by Cindy Morgan and the traditional and much loved poinsettias came from Lorna, at Driftwood Nursery. “This celebration is held each year to thank the citizens.” said Pierrette Guimond, Friends Board member.

In the library lobby, Alayne Goodheart and Sandy Wilson, board members of the Friends of Orcas Library, were manning the book table for the 4th Annual Winter Holiday Book Sale. These books are all donated from the community and all proceeds from the Book Sale goes directly to the Library.

Orcas Island Students play classical music at the Library Tea.

As if the Book Sale and Tea were not enough, in the Main Library space live musicians played, which added to the festive atmosphere. Two Room School, a talented young quartet from Shaw Island entertained with a folksy/Celtic feel. The Home School Vocalists from the Alternative School with Orcas Island School District (OASIS) sang next. Led by Ruth Peterson, the youngsters’ final piece was a traditional Norwegian piece — complete with dancing.

The lovely Orcas Middle and High School Strings performed under the direction of teacher Pamela Wright. Later, when asked what her favorite part of this Library event was, Pamela said, “Beautiful music that only gets played once a year.”

The strings trio, Tres Voci, played next. The trio is comprised of Pamela Wright Montessori School Director, Theresa Chocano and Orcas Public Outreach Librarian Holly King. A traditional entertainer at the holiday tea, Katie Jensen played music with her autoharp.

Meanwhile Santa arrived with his even-better half, the very sweet Mrs. Claus. They took up temporary residence in the Children’s Room, to the delight of the young and young at heart. Each child had a chance to share with Santa — and sometime Mrs. Claus too — their hearts’ desires for Christmas. The children also participated in the arts and crafts table that was organized by Librarian Nita Couchman and overseen by the high-school service volunteers from Key Club, who also helped serve at the tea.

Chair of the Library Tea Committee, Jean Soderquist and Library Director, Phil Heikkinen gave me some of the “insider details” of the Holiday Tea.

Key Club member Kyle Zbornik helps Lois Cornell serve tea.

Last year, the Tea and Book Sale saw about 800 people come in and take part in the celebration. The edible treats are all donated and the Trustees enjoy getting involved and pouring the tea. Jean and Phil both mentioned that the Key Club youth volunteers have been an essential part of making things run smoothly, and that they are greatly appreciated.

During all of the holiday fun, the Library was still fully operational. Phil gave the fun fact that the Library has more users on record than Orcas has residents — about 6000+ users, in comparison to the over 5000 residents!

They both said that they enjoyed most of all the way the community came together to enjoy this wonderful time with each other.

As a newcomer to this event, I could see exactly what they were talking about, in regards to community: Staff members, Board members and volunteers all pitched in and worked very hard to make this a memorable and fun-filled time for all who stopped in throughout the day.