A strong Orcas Island School District library operated by professional staff is an important and cost-effective resource for students on the campus. Also, it is clear that OISD is struggling with addressing all of its priorities.

The Orcas Island Library is paying close attention to the current crisis at the public school library. For example, our library board is planning discussions among the trustees and with others about how best to contribute to meeting the challenges, including at the upcoming Sept. 11 library board meeting. We recognize that this crisis is part of a larger and longer-term issue about how best to support education on Orcas Island.

It also happens that the library is in the midst of evaluating the outcomes of a community needs assessment process, in which support for learning figures prominently. We hope to strengthen our services to all students on the island. We’ll soon be sharing more information about that, including at our Sept.11 meeting. As always, we invite your input, whether about these particular issues or any other.

Phil Heikkinen

Orcas Island Library Director