News from your local libraries

Lopez Library

Yes, the library is open again and busier than ever. Come check out the new library arrivals that just kept coming in while we were closed and also check out the library’s holiday trimmings and rejuvenated floors and interiors. We so missed seeing our loyal library patrons walking through the doors and the happy faces when a much anticipated book, film, or CD was ready to take home. We are glad to have you back! Many thanks to the following helping hands (and backs) during the library renovations. We couldn’t have done it without you! Thanks to: Steve Adams, Adriane Adams, Cheryl Harlan, Dawn Rachel, The Friends of the Lopez Island Library, LIHS French Club, John Pray,and the Lopez Island Library staff: Rosie Sumner, Karen Rogers, and Judy Welker, and White Bear (for delicious treats to fuel the workers).

Good news for quilt and history lovers! Karen Alexander’s Historic Quilt Collection will be back on display at the library until Jan. 2. Given the sanding of the floors and other particles floating through the air, Karen wisely took down these delicate vintage quilts during the remodel. Karen, who is quilt historian and President of the Quilters Hall of Fame, is sharing a truly amazing collection of quilts from decades gone by.

Check out our web page for photos of a select few of these treasures. My personal favorite display was designed by Ruby Short McKim (1891-1976). The 28 different bird patterns were published as a series in a 1928 newspaper. The beauty and brightness of the blue and white patterned quilt was a standout from this quilt lover’s point of view. Karen has also provided us with an historical outline on the art of quilting. The community is very fortunate to have these on display. Come and see!

Saturday Movie Double Feature at the Library, Dec. 20

At 2:00 p.m. Movie Documentary – Gypsy Caravan

An audience favorite at film festivals worldwide, GYPSY CARAVAN is a gorgeous surround-sound celebration of misery and oppression turned into music. GYPSY CARAVAN is a dazzling display of the musical world of the Roma, juxtaposed against the real world they live in. This rich feature documentary celebrates the luscious music of top international Gypsy performers and interweaves stirring real life tales of their home life and social background. Shot by documentary icon Albert Maysles, the film takes place on tour in Europe and in the USA during the Gypsy Caravan concert tour, as well as on location in Spain, Macedonia, Romania and India.

At 5:30 p.m., The Dark Knight – PG-13 – is a sequel to BATMAN BEGINS and “dark” is the operative word. “Explosive” is another word that applies both to the action, the pyrotechnics and the performances, especially the Joker (Heath Ledger), who wants to unite the local crime honchos to bring down Batman (Christian Bale) but mostly the Joker just wants to see the world burn.

Fancy some hot cider and the warmth and wonder of a well-told tale by the fire? Join us Dec. 28 for our annual Wintertime Storytelling event at 2:00 p.m. This is storytelling for all ages. Revel in the music and musical cadences of master storytellers Alie Smaalders, Kip Greenthal, Rosie Sumner, Stanley Greenthal (& his music). Stories include The Polar Express & many others. Admission is free.

Orcas Library

Despite the steepening economic downturn, in light of our projected and increasing use, we continue to look into the possibility of an addition to our building. One reason for this is that during hard economic times, people tend to use their public libraries more. Another is that we have excellent prospects for private donations sufficient to pay for the project, which could total around 3000 square feet. The question is that even if increased operating costs for the larger space are modest, will property owners be willing to pay for any increase in property taxes? We have no illusions that this project is a sure thing or even probable. We plan to share further information with the community, and we would love to speak to any groups interested in a Library Futures presentation that could last from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on time and interest. Also, as always I am interested in any feedback that people would like to share with me directly, at 376-4985 or pheikkinen@orcaslibrary.org.

The Friends of the Library Holiday Tea on Dec. 6 was a lot of fun, featuring food, talented local musicians, and the opportunity to visit with about 800 of our good friends. Bucking recent tradition, we had no snow or ice. The Friends also presented the Library with a check for $12,500 in support of Library services in 2009. Mark your calendar for the next one on August 8, 2009!

The Table of Contents Book Club for elementary school students is now working on its second book of the season. The club, co-sponsored with Darvill’s Bookstore, meets after school on the second Thursday of each month at our library. It reaches about 20 participants; however, it still has room for more members. Our Children’s Librarian Nita Couchman is coordinating.

The Orcas Chess Club changes to a Monday after-school meeting time beginning January 5. I’m also going to set up a simultaneous exhibition soon. I held the last one of these about 28 years ago, so I am due for an encore!

Finally, a few interesting recent additions to our collection relating to the economy:

High Wire: the Precarious Financial Lives of American Families, by Peter Gosselin, examines how working families are attempting to cope with the erosion of our economy and in fact the overall economic system.

Offshore: the Dark Side of the Global Economy, by William Brittain-Catlin, looks provocatively at how multinational corporations continue to strengthen their profitable offshore identities effectively out of control of their nations of origin.

Plunder: Investigating our Economic Calamity and the Subprime Scandal, by Danny Schechter, looks at predation, complicity, and negligence in the midst of global calamities involving food, fuel, and finance.

And on a different note, September Songs: the Good News about Marriage in the Later Years, by Maggie Scarf, offers encouragement that couples can anticipate happy lives as they weather the economic storms together. After the kids are gone can come the “bonus years.”