Submitted by the Friends of the Orcas Island Library.

The Friends of the Orcas Island Library invite the community to their Annual Meeting on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 4-6 p.m. at the Orcas Island Library, 500 Rose St.

The gathering will feature an afternoon of food, community and conversation about the library’s role in enriching the community. Attendees will enjoy a smorgasbord of appetizers, a brief business meeting and a keynote address from Vanessa Torres Hernandez, integrated advocacy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington.

Hernandez leads statewide strategies to advance civil rights and liberties and has worked extensively on reentry, education and juvenile justice issues. She previously directed advocacy at the Northwest Justice Project and is a Gates Public Service Law Scholar and graduate of the University of Washington School of Law. A proud Chamoru from Guam, Hernandez brings a wealth of experience and perspective to her work advancing equity and justice in Washington state.

The event will conclude with coffee, tea and desserts.

“Each year, the Annual Meeting is a time to celebrate the library, our members, and the vital role this institution plays in our community,” said Sandi Parker, FOIL board member. “We are especially honored to welcome Vanessa Torres Hernandez, whose leadership and advocacy inspire us all.”

The meeting is free and open to the public.