Mission:

Our mission is to support the Bainbridge Public Library by working in partnership with the Board of the Bainbridge Public Library and the Library Director.

The kind of support we provide are library events, services and programs that are compatible with the Bainbridge Public Library policies and objectives. In addition the Friends promote knowledge of the functions, resources, services and needs of the library.

About Us:

The Bainbridge Island Friends of the Library is a registered non-profit business in the State of Washington. The organization has been classified by the IRS as a 501(c)3 public charity since the mid 1980's. The organization is 100% staffed by volunteers from the surrounding community.

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.