Library Ready to Turn the Page on The Next Chapter

— from Phil Heikkinen, Orcas Public Library Director —

Sketch of Library from Rose Street, looking south with expansion to the north and west of current building

With wonderful participation from the community, Henry Klein Architects, the firm that designed our current library in 1991, has finished the Design Development process and is now working on construction documents.

Liz LeRoy, our Project Manager (who recently finished the school remodel on time and on budget) is engaged in the permitting process with San Juan County.

The Board will invite bids from general contractors in April, with plans to begin construction this summer. We’re excited that we’re around 90% funded, and continuing to look for help with the last 10%.

Look for more news about a groundbreaking celebration, scheduled tentatively for June 30.

Our building project gains momentum. We are close to our funding goal. There are compelling reasons to build now:

– The $1.4 million State grant must be used by July 2017.

– Each year we wait, with 5% estimated inflation, the building will cost more.

– The current library is too small, with not enough room for people, technology and books.

The Orcas Library is consistently in the top five libraries in the state, per capita, in user visits, check-outs, cardholders, open hours, and collection size. And these numbers are increasing. In January 2016, our checkouts were 10% more than January 2015.

Your Expansion:
– Thirty percent more room for books
– Larger Children’s Room
– Larger Young-Adult Room
– More space for Technology
– More space for Quiet Reading and Contemplation
– Two Small-Group (2-4) meeting rooms
– One Large-Group (6-10) meeting room
– Additional restrooms
– Outdoor terrace for reading and internet access