Dear Friends,

2011 has been another busy, successful year for the Bainbridge Friends of the Library. It would be impossible to estimate how many books we sorted, priced and sold over the past twelve months,  but we can say that we added over $70,000 to our bank account and all of that money is dedicated to the support of the Bainbridge Public Library. 

As you know, the Friends provide significant support for the children’s, teens’ and adult programs here at the Bainbridge Public Library.  This year, for example, we contributed to the children’s summer reading program and children’s story time, and also maintained the children’s aquarium.  This past year we funded the removal/reinstallation of a new fish tank during the carpeting work.  In addition, we sponsored numerous teen events,  contributed to the retirement party for long-time librarian Julie O'Neill, bought a new flag for the library, sponsored the Opera series with Norm Hollingshead, and paid for many of the magazine subscriptions in the library. 

Our success has also allowed us to continue  to support the Bainbridge Friends of the Library Endowment.  A few facts will explain why the Endowment is so important:

KRL receives tax money from Bainbridge and other Kitsap communities.   With those funds, KRL supplies the staff, the books, the shelving and some of the furniture for Bainbridge Library.  The Bainbridge Public Library itself does not receive any tax money. It is owned by the Bainbridge Community and is dependent upon donations from the Community for its continuing operation, which includes any capital addition to or repair of the library building, all building maintenance,  all utility bills, and all maintenance of the grounds and parking lots.

The Friends Board established the Endowment in 2007 with a $100,000 donation.  Every month since then, the FOL Board has set aside a minimum of $5,000 for the Endowment.  The  FOL Board has recommended that BPL refrain from withdrawing funds from the Endowment until  it has become self-sustaining.  Our wish is that ultimately, the Endowment will provide one source of secure income for the Bainbridge Public Library.  Our contribution toward the Endowment has been greatly appreciated by the BPL.  

The Holiday Season is a busy time of year, but it’s also a good time to pause for a moment to thank you all for the work you’ve dedicated to the Library.  I can think of few better opportunities to contribute to the welfare of the community than to serve its need for information, entertainment, and, most of all, intellectual growth.

The FOL Board joins me in wishing each of you a very happy and healthy new year.

Very truly yours,

Lois Reitz,
President, Friends of the Library