Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library

Beginning on Monday, March 16, the Orcas Island Library will be closed through Tuesday, March 31, or until further notice. We will be open our normal hours on Saturday, March 14 from 10 to 5 pm; and Sunday, March 15 from noon to 3 pm.

We have taken this difficult step out of concern for the health for Orcas Island residents. Evidence is compelling that limiting social contacts can help reduce the potential for the Coronavirus/COVID-19 to spread throughout our community.

We will continue to study this serious community issue with County health officials and others. If we can in any way restore services at some level, either before or after the end of March, we will share this welcome news as soon and as widely as possible.

We recognize the serious impact that this decision will have on all of us.

As we work through future options, please continue to contact us at 360-376-4985, or email Library Director Phil Heikkinen at

pheikkinen@orcaslibrary.org. We will also post updates to our website at www.orcaslibrary.org.

Our website offers a variety of resources such as ebooks, e-audiobooks, a wide variety of databases, language learning, streaming movies and other alternatives, all available with your library card number and PIN. You can return any library materials as usual to our book drop locations in Deer Harbor, Olga, Orcas Landing, and the Library itself.

Phil Heikkinen, library director, on behalf of the library board and staff