Lopez Library gears up for fall fun

September 10, 2010 7:39 pm
A member of the public uses a library computer behind one of the colorful book displays at the library.
A member of the public uses a library computer behind one of the colorful book displays at the library.

You only have to look at the statistics to know that summer was successful at Lopez Library. You only have to look at the upcoming events schedule to guess that fall will be just as good.

“It was a great summer. Every year I’ve been here I learn a little more about the people in the community,” says Library Director Lou Pray. According to Pray, library usage was up by 38 percent this July.

Increased summer numbers are due partly to tourist traffic, and what with the free WIFI, variety of literature, DVDs, audio books and summer programs, the library is pivotal in summer entertainment.

However, now young people are back in school and the tourists have left, the library is changing gear. Pray says that the organization shifts its themes and focus with each season. “It’s just common sense…in summer we tend to focus on a kid theme. They are bored and ready for something to catch their interest, in the fall we tend to cater to the locals, continuing education things.”

Thus the coming months will see a range of programs designed to peak adult interest and participation.

In collaboration with the Lopez Family Resource Center, the library will host a series of classes based around the small business. It will run every monday at 5:30 p.m. from Sept. 27 – Nov. 15. These are designed to inform and help anyone thinking of starting a small business, or is already involved in one.

On a more literary note, the author Kurt Hoelting will lead an author reading and discussion on Sept. 18. His book “The Circumference of Home,” is based on his decision to live and travel only within a 60-mile radius of his Whidbey Island home.

October will have several highlights, one of which will be the visit of author Sydney Salter. Salter will speak in the Lopez School on Oct. 11. Her new book “Swoon if you Dare,” is out now in the library and local book stores.

Pray is determined to keep the programs fresh and inviting. “I know a lot of people have been talking about cooking classes,” she says, discussing ideas for the future. Pray envisages a local chef leading such a class on cookery at the library.

So although the excitement of summer is coming to an end, Pray and her team are working hard to keep fall full of “imagination and innovation.”