Have you ever wondered what Friends of the Orcas Island Library, or FOIL, is? Here are some questions I asked, which they answered during one of their meetings.
Who makes up FOIL and what does FOIL do?
Friends of the Orcas Island Library is a group of community members who share an appreciation for the Orcas Library. We support the library through fundraising, events, and community resources.
How is FOIL’s role different from library staff?
We focus on advocacy, fundraising, and connecting with the community via events. Think of us as the library’s biggest cheerleaders, always striving to make it even better.
What should islanders know about FOIL that we may not know? In other words, if someone has never heard of FOIL, what information can you tell them that makes them feel “in the know” about it?
In general, FOIL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the library is a government entity, a taxing district. Most all libraries have “Friends” and most Friends organizations fundraise primarily through used book sales. Friends are run by volunteers who organize the thousands of book donations received by the community each year. Some Friends organizations only take certain books and on certain days, etc. On Orcas we accept books any time the library is open. We work out of a back room to sort books by category, and we box, haul, and store in an off-site storage facility. (Whew!)
Funds raised from Friends of the Orcas Island Library sales enable our library to go above and beyond, offering children reading programs (including books) for the summer reading club, youth book clubs, craft supplies and instruction for youth craft events, and adult programming such as the speaker series.
Does FOIL need local people to get involved in anything in particular?
Yes, FOIL is actively seeking new board members, and we could use some cookie bakers for the upcoming Holiday Tea, helping hands for our used book activities such as eBay, and book sorting. It’s a fantastic way to get involved and make a real impact right here in our library office.
Are there any upcoming events that FOIL is particularly interested in the community knowing about?
Our Holiday Tea is happening at the Orcas Library on Saturday, December 2nd. Expect delightful company, live music, and, of course, tea and cookies. It’s going to be a cozy, festive gathering, and we’d love to see you there!
What is FOIL’s mission in detail?
The mission of the Friends of the Orcas Island Library is to enhance, expand, and promote the Orcas Island Library services and resources. Friends is an informal group of library supporters who believe a good library is essential to the cultural and economic wellbeing of our community.
We fulfill our mission in the following ways:
- By memberships to the Friends who donate to and support the activities of the library through volunteer work and contributions
- By conducting fundraising activities for the benefit of the library such as the summer book sale, sales from the Friends’ Corner store, merchandise, and eBay sales
- By managing funds received from various sources for the benefit of the library, primarily through grants requested
- By cooperating with the library in developing services for the community
- By helping to stimulate and increase use of the library’s resources
Is there anything else we should know about FOIL that I may not know to ask?
“We’d like to share a friendly reminder that when you buy used books or merchandise at our Friends’ Corner store in the Orcas Library lobby, you’re actually giving us a hand in supporting the Orcas Library. It’s a small yet meaningful way to contribute to our mission, and your support is greatly appreciated!”
– Laura Hanks, President
“We also supplement funding by raising money for programs that might not otherwise exist for the public without diminishing the quality of basic services. Author talks, bat detection kits, and Halloween books for kids are just a few things for which FOIL deserves gratitude. Most recently, FOIL became a nonprofit affiliate with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, putting a free book in the hands of every child from ages 0-5 years who signs up!”
– Michael Armenia, Secretary
Two years ago, our President, Ken Gibbs, passed away after a short illness. After that, his wife Lynette formed the Ken Gibbs Memorial Fund to support and enlarge the science book collection at the library. Ken was a remarkable scientist and later a contributor to Orcas Library. Lynette partnered with FOIL to raise money for this fund.
What keeps you involved with FOIL?
“Coming to the meetings and volunteering for events is camaraderie in purpose. Books and learning
is my greatest passion, and the library is my home away from home. So when there is a volunteer organization of people who share such a passion for the library, I am eager to be an instrumental part.”
– Michael Armenia, Secretary
“I never knew I enjoyed books so much. After leaving the workforce and all the kids left to start their lives, Victoria enlisted my help for a few projects, then Mary. In between that, I heard about the Friends and liked the idea of helping out the library. Being exposed to books opened up a whole new field for me.
I started using eBay after realizing $100+ books were being sold at book sales for only a dollar or two.”
– Lynn Carter, currently the longest-serving board member
“I eagerly anticipate my weekly “work” commitment, not only for the chance to engage with book donations but also for the meaningful connections forged with fellow volunteers and the dedicated staff serving both FOIL and the library. The group comprises a diverse and fascinating array of individuals. As a retired librarian, this opportunity allows me to reconnect with handling books, interacting with the public, and contributing to fundraising events – all within the confines of just a few hours per week. Serving on the Board enables me to actively participate in the planning and governance of the organization, collaborating with enthusiastic colleagues who have evolved into cherished friends integral to my life.
– Sandi Parker, Vice President
Thank you, FOIL folks, for taking part in this Q & A.
Click here to visit the FOIL website
Click here if you have questions or want to contact FOIL
Click here to contact a specific FOIL board member
Click here to fill out a FOIL volunteer form
Click here to become a FOIL member and this is what you will see:
