Library hopeful public will support expansion

On any given day you can see a full spectrum of folks engrossed in everything from books to audio CDs to movies to computers at the Orcas Island Public Library.

On any given day you can see a full spectrum of folks engrossed in everything from books to audio CDs to movies to computers at the Orcas Island Public Library. Ages of patrons range from pre-schoolers to teens to seniors. They all congregate to what Rachel Newcombe calls a community hub.

‘The library is more than just about hard books, it’s about space,” said Newcombe who is president of the library board.

It turns out that space, not reading materials, is something that the library has run out of.

“People have to sit in their cars to use WiFi because there is no where to sit inside.” “Often people sit with laptops in there laps because there are no desks.” “There are tables in the aisles.” “And just look at how small the young adults section is – less than 100 square feet.” “It’s crowded like a New York City subway.”

These were all comments told to this writer  by the board on a recent tour of the library. This lack of space and a vision for a library that can be better than just average are why two weeks ago the library board passed a motion to proceed with an expansion of the building. After looking through surveys, observation, community feedback and a needs assessment last summer, library staff concluded that patrons needed more room.

“If we didn’t respond to the needs of the community we wouldn’t be meeting the responsibility of the library,” said library trustee Margaret Payne.

The board has recently printed a pamphlet with these statistics: since 1995 library cardholders have increased by 86 percent from 3,103 to 5,872; the collection has increased by 68 percent to 51, 968 items; programs and classes have increased by 161 percent to 238 yearly. These numbers are evidence to the board that change is in order. No designs have been made final, but the board is looking at an addition of around 1,500 to 2,000 square feet in the northwest sector of the library grounds.

The list of needs includes more computer work stations, an additional family restroom, periodical space, an office, more storage, independent and group study area, a quiet reading room, moveable shelves to allow for more space and a place for young adults.

But before any shovels hit the ground there are meetings to be held, designs to be created and money to be raised.

Projection of the cost is estimated to be around $750,000. The library board has a small capital improvements fund and has maintained donations received for building projects. In addition, the Friends of the Orcas Island Library have accumulated a fund intended for building improvements. Together these already existing funds amount to about $250,000. The board is looking to raise about $500,000 through private funding, grants and public donation.

Newcombe said there isn’t a timeline for when the expansion will occur.

The board does not anticipate pursuing additional tax revenues for the construction project. They do anticipate requesting a levy increase in the future of $10 to $15 annual for a $500,000 property.

The library has not received any private donations yet, but the board is confident the community will step up.

“The proof will be in the pudding” said Phil Heikkinen, Library Director. “We will need donations to make this happen.”

Two public meetings are coming up to discuss the possible design of the expansions on Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m. and Oct. 27, 2: 30 p.m. at the library.

Write or email questions to pheikkinen@orcaslibrary.org.