I’m reminded by the heartfelt letter penned by John Erly (Sounder, 8/19 edition) that we take many things for granted.

Yes, indeed, the Library Fair is a tradition on Orcas. In fact, next year will be the 60th Library Fair! Friends of the Orcas Island Library is the fabric of our library and has contributed in a myriad of ways to enhance our library experience, thanks to the many volunteers who make things happen. While the fair itself has dwindled to little more than a giant book sale, the net income generated is roughly the same.

When it was first conceived there was little competition for energy and fun ideas for fundraising, hence we had auctions, raffles, interesting vendors in a venue that was a magnet for community and visitors alike. The book sale was the crown jewel of the event. Just as it is today. Nonprofits have grown to number more than 100 compared to back in the day. That’s a wonderful thing, but it has taken its toll on the amount of volunteer energy to go around.

If we are to return to a semblance of what the fair was, the FOIL board needs more members with more ideas and energy to accomplish such a rebirth – no matter where it is held.

The fair, due to library expansion construction, may be forced to return to the Village Green next year regardless. There is nothing to prevent having the fair on the Village Green from happening. But, if we had new energy and ideas, there’s no reason it can’t be there going forward. I do like the Library Fair at the library and that experience could be improved dramatically.

Would you like to join us and be a board member or donate some of your valuable time to our mission?

Tim Lunde

President of the FOIL board