A recent article in the Sounder, explaining the need for an Orcas Island Library expansion, inspires me to think back over twenty years ago when I served on the Library Board. It was a time when the library was in the design process for a new building. Victoria Parker was at the helm and Savvy Sanders was our board chairman. It was a thrilling experience to be a part of the process and to be looking forward to a new Library to replace the small space the book collection was jammed into on Main Street.  We have come a long way since that time.

Our library, overlooking Eastsound, has become a virtual nerve center of the island, but because of increasing attendance and use, it is in dire need to expand to make room for Wi-fi use which is now standing room only. Additional space is needed for storage, a study area, restrooms, a reading room and more and are now being considered. The present board unanimously agree their responsibility lies with meeting the needs of the public, which is mainly more space.

My husband, Harlan, was consulted for architectural advice and any help he could provide with suggestions for all the possibilities as to what an expansion could look like on the present site. We both urge the public to stay tuned on this new development with the sure knowledge that our community will be apprised of steps along the way and of how much in donations will ultimately be needed in addition to other avenues of private funding and grants. We take pride in our excellent library, and consider it the jewel of Eastsound.

Let’s all keep it that way.

Harlan and Anne Pedersen

Orcas Island