News & Notes

2008 Membership Drive Continues

The Friends of the San Juan Island Library 2008 Membership Drive is in full swing. Our annual dues reminders were mailed in November and we continue to receive memberships in the mail.

Our Business members are featured in each edition of our newsletter. We would love to print a full page of business members, so please take a moment from your busy day and join the Friends. Here is our current list of business members.

The Library has several large items on its wish list for the Friends to purchase in 2008 in addition to our ongoing funding of Library programs not covered by tax dollars:

• Two ceiling projection screens for use in showing family films, documentaries, and travel films. These will be installed in the Fireplace area of the Library and in the Meeting Room.
• Portable low vision reader/enlarger that could be used in the Library, the Senior Center, and at the Convalescent Center.
• FM system to be used for the hard-of-hearing in library programs and by other community organizations.
• Power Generator to keep the Library functioning when power outtages occur.

These are just a few items the Library would like us to consider. The list is longer and our success in meeting the needs of the Library is directly contingent on the favorable results of our Membership Drive.

If you haven't as yet joined the Friends, please consider doing so today! Information about memberships can be found by clicking here. A membership form can be found in our most recent newsletter. You can also mail your contribution to the Friends at P.O. Box 786, Friday Harbor, 98250.

A Night of Chocolate Excess = Big Success

Over 60 islanders joined the Friends of the SJI Library Board at the Library on Saturday, February 16th for the 1st Annual Night of Chocolate Excess. Judging from the comments of participants wanting to have this event monthly, the evening was deemed a success. There were at least 35 different chocolate delicacies to sample, from chocolate truffles, mousse and cookies to the winning entry of chocolate killer whale cakes.

A mere $5 bought one's entry into the transformed Library Salon where tables were piled high with chocolate. Coffee, tea amd milk were served to help wash down the chocolate. People sampled as much as they could of the delicacies and were then asked to vote for their favorite.

Thanks to the geneorsity of the Peppermill Restaurant, the Friends were able to award a $50 gift certificate to the winning entry by Jenny Atkinson with her miniature chocolate killer whale cakes.

Second prize went to Beth Helstien for her Cognac Chocolate Mousse and we had a tie for third place with the Hopkins Family's Chocolate Chewy Bars and Lola Risbell's frozen French Mints.

The goal of the Friends of the SJI Library was to add members to our organization and host a fun but simple fundraising event. Both of these objectives where accomplished and we were very pleased with the outpouring of community support.

If you missed this fun evening, don't despair, the Friends of the SJI Library will be hosting another Night of Chocolate Excess next February. There will be plenty of chocolate for all!

To learn more about Friends' events, email us at fol@sjlib.org to be added to our email list.