It was a grand day for the 55th Orcas Island Library Fair! The weather was perfect for the many people enjoying all the festivities. In addition to the book fair, the farmers’ market displayed their products and local produce, and vendors from all around showed up with lots of different items for sale. Our children showed amazing creativity in their own section of the fair.

The following members of the Friends of the Orcas Island Public Library spent many hours organizing this event: James Lobdell (fair coordinator), Lynn Carter (book sale organizor) with help from Harold Lentzner, Jim Wiemeyer, Sandy Wilson, Tim Lunde, Jean Soderquist, Alayne Goodhart and Kathy Morris.

Library board members Tom Welch, Rachel Newcombe, Donna Riordan, Joan Pedrick and Alan Lichter also donated their time.

Sue Lamb and Glenna Richards were in charge of the silent art auction again. More than 100 items were generously donated, many by local artists. Frank Loudin’s design of this year’s poster captured the atmosphere of the people-pleasing, musical and crowded library fair scene.  The 2011 quilt was designed by Jackie Robison. The fabulous work was stitched by some of our local quilters: Carol Sutton, Betty Marcum, Betty Jean Hall, Diane Baxter, Ellen Harboe, Harriet Miller, Kate Marek, Mari Gardner, Maggie Kaplan, Ruth Vanderstraat, Sherrie Schiff, Wanda Ryberg, and Keri Stone. The winner of the quilt was Augusta McMurray, who recently moved to the island with her family.

We could not do this without all the volunteers: Joyce Pearson, Doug Pearson Judy Schliebus, Doug Schliebus, David Wilson, Allen Wiemeyer, Cole Johnson, Linda Bryant, Sandy Vietzke, Ann Hay, Joe Floren, Diane Barrett, David Kobsin, John Ashenhurst, Claire Johnson, Ulanah McCoy, Mandy Griffin, Beverly Leyman, Larry Leyman, Susanna Beck, Nathan Yoffa, Tracy Harchi, Grace Muse, Bill Anhorn, Pat Anhorn, Don Cook and Cameron Fralick. Max Blackadar, captain of the Orcas Rowing Team, and his mates moved hundreds of boxes of books for us. Tom Maiuro volunteered to organize the booth space and rental with Tim Lunde’s assistance. Island hardware with the loan of plywood.

All year long books are given to the Friends of the Library to be sold at this event, the winter book sale and during the year in the lobby of the library. The funds we raise enable our organization to offer extra support to the library.

Thank you to all our supporters.

Pierrette Guimond

President, Friends of the Orcas Island Library