The library is going platinum. Not because it has the hottest new song on the charts. It’s because this year marks its 20-year anniversary in the building Orcas Island’s avid readers call home. The problem is that it’s a home with too many bodies and not enough seats.

“The library is really a center for the community,” said Alan Lichter, library board president. “It’s the one real democratic institution that people can use when they need and there are no fees involved.”

After looking through surveys, observation, community feedback and a needs assessment last summer, library staff concluded that patrons needed more space. The list included a independent and group study area, quiet reading room, moveable shelves to allow for more space and a place for young adults. The current “meeting” room houses 30 people, whereas the new addition is projected to fit 75 people. No designs have been made final, but Library Director Phil Heikkinen said they are looking at an addition of around 1,800 square feet in the northwest sector of the library grounds. Early projection of the cost is estimated to be around $700,000. The new space plan allows the library to stay open during construction.

“We’re hoping to have a shovel in the ground by summer,” Lichter said.

To raise funds for such an expansion the library is looking for private donations only.

“The tax burden is tough for people to deal with right now,” Heikkinen said.

Ten years ago and then five years ago, the library staff considered the possibility of an expansion. A lack of funds, the economy crashing and a failed levy lift stalled the idea throughout the years.

To get a sense of potential donors

willing to get involved this time around, library staff and board members will be speaking with local organizations around town and see what they can find out through word of mouth.

“We want this to be a community decision,” Lichter said. “There is a lot of wisdom here.”

Heikkinen said the reason they are looking at expansion is for the community and how to best serve island residents.

In the 1950s and ‘60s the library was full of card catalogues; now those spaces are filled with computers and desks.

Islanders who work from home or are self-employed come to the library to take advantage of the quiet and free Wi-Fi. Ten years ago, library staff had the intent to double the collection space for books, but the popularity of Kindles and E-Books in the last few years has changed the game.

Heikkinen said that readership of “downloadable” books is increasing.

“We’re responding to the changes in the community and how people use the spaces,” said Heikkinen, who has seen people walk away because there wasn’t enough space for them to sit down.

Contact Heikkinen at 376-4985; email pheikkinen@orcaslibrary.org; or mail OIPL, 500 Rose Street, Eastsound, WA 98245.

To see more about displays and archive celebrations for the 20-year anniversary, visit www.orcaslibrary.org.