On the future of the Camano Island Library Pilot Project

Nearly three years ago, Sno-Isle Libraries stepped out with something new on Camano Island – a pilot project library. It was an opportunity for both the library district and the community to test the viability of local library service on Camano Island. Both in terms of library use and community feedback, the pilot project is a success beyond our expectations.

Last November, voters in the Sno-Isle Libraries district approved an increase to the library’s operating levy. Was this a vote for the Camano Island Library Pilot Project? Yes and no.

By approving the levy increase, a majority of voters in both counties indicated a willingness to increase their taxes to maintain current library services. The levy increase provides operational funding for all Sno-Isle community libraries. It was not a vote specific to the Camano Island Library Pilot Project, although the revenue increase will benefit Camano customers as well as customers in our other 20 community libraries.

It’s not surprising that many people on Camano Island are asking what happens next? With a little help from our Friends, the Camano Island Library Pilot Project will continue beyond June 2010.

Last summer, the Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees voted to partner with the Friends of the Camano Island Library and extend the pilot project until such a time when the Camano Island community approves a bond measure to build a permanent library on Camano Island.

Your help is needed to keep the pilot project going.

While Sno-Isle Libraries will continue to fund library operations such as staff, books, and technology, the Friends of the Camano Island Library committed to raising at least $20,000 a year to offset the cost of leasing library space. There are several ways you can help the Friends meet this goal:

• Become a member of the Friends of the Camano Island Library;

• Buy a used book from the Friends book sale;

• Attend the Friends of the Library dinner and auction on Saturday, March 20.

For more information on these opportunities, visit the Camano Island Library or www.cilibraryfriends.org.

Your support will make a huge difference for your community.

In the future, Camano Island residents will have the opportunity to vote on a library bond measure to fund a permanent library on Camano Island and secure local library services. An election has not been scheduled at this time, but we will work closely with the community to find the best time to give Camano Island residents the opportunity to vote on a new, permanent library.

Good communities exist because people and organizations work together. The Camano Island Library Pilot Project is a perfect example of how partnerships can enhance a community.

– Jonalyn Woolf-Ivory Director, Sno-Isle Libraries