Our History

The present Bainbridge Island Friends of the Library grew from a seed group of interested people in 1961.  As with most Friends groups, the Bainbridge Islanders worked to raise funds to support additional activities at our public library.

 

Rummage sales were the initial start of fund raising and there was a natural progression to the sale of donated books.

 

In 1978, Katie Warner gave the rights to her book "A History of Bainbridge Island" to the Friends of the Library.  Over a four year period, the Friends brought in more than $5,000 from the books they had printed and distributed.

 

The Friends have always worked hard supporting levy issues that enable our library to operate.  In addition they have been ardent supporters for the construction and expansion of the physical building housing the library.

 

The building was constructed from funds donated by local individuals and organizations.  It is owned by the community and the operation and maintenance is paid for with funds donated through Bainbridge Island's "One Call For All" as well as direct donations to Bainbridge Public Library.  Staff and circulating materials are supported by the Kitsap Regional Library.

 

Today, the Bainbridge Island Friends of the Library has approximately 40 volunteers and is governed by a Board of Directors. 

Our Bookroom 

Our customers say our bookroom is the best organized of any book sale they know.  There are many steps from the receipt of a donated book to the final placing of an attractively priced book on our shelves.

 

The books are organized in clearly labled sections by genre and often alphabetized by author.

 

As we have numerous regular customers, our turnover on the bookroom shelves is high and we try to always maintain fresh stock on display.

 

Books of special interest (local authors, old or unique volumes) are also separated and displayed in their section. 

 

In addition to the two rooms where book sales are held three times per month, the Friends maintain two "honor system" book stands in the library.  One is upstairs in the entrance lobby, and the other is downstairs next to the elevator.  Books and magazines can be bought at both during library hours.