Mission Statement: The Camano Island Library Friends advocate, educate and raise funds for programs, services, materials and equipment for our library in partnership with Sno-Isle Libraries.
Who we are
The Camano Island Library Friends (“CILF“) was officially formed in 2008 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our first priority was to ensure there be a permanent library on Camano Island. With the help of many in our community and assistance from Sno-Isle Libraries, we succeeded.
Author Robert Dugoni, October 19th 2024
What Friends do
The Friends support Camano Island Library programs, classes and events FREE to all members of our community. We are committed to putting a library card into the hands of every child on Camano Island.
Here are just a few examples of the ways the Friends make a difference in our community:
- provide books for the Summer Reading Prize Program
- fund capital expenses like the check-out kiosk in the Children’s Reading Room and furniture refurbishment.
- Underwrite popular programs like “Sarvey Wildlife” and the Adult Writing Series.
- Pay for transportation to bring Elementary School children on Camano in grades 3-5 for Library Visits. They meet the librarians, are shown how to search for books in the stacks and on the computers and how to check out books. They leave with an application for a library card. For some, this visit will be the first time a child has ever been in a library.
This support is possible because of YOUR MEMBERSHIP and revenue generated from our Book Sale Corner at the Library. Book Sales represent 50% of our annual revenue.
The Friends Bookmark Artist for 2023-2024
Melissa Jander is an accomplished artist known for her expressive oil paintings. She has a diverse educational background in technical drawing, graphic design, foreign language and literature. She has also received art instruction from institutions such as the Loveland Academy of Fine Art, the Gage Academy, and the Art Institute of Seattle. Various organizations, including Women Artists of the West, The American Impressionist Society, and Oil Painters of America, have recognized her work. In 2018, Melissa was chosen by the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival to create a painting for the official 35th anniversary poster. She seeks to stir emotions through shape, color, and expressive brushwork. Her muses are the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, often drawing inspiration from rugged coastlines and blooming flowers in her Camano Island Garden. Melissa values the freedom and joy of creating art that expresses emotions, and she enjoys sharing this passion with others. Be sure to visit her studio during the Camano Island Studio Tour, details are available at melissajander.com/events.
Melissa’s beautiful “Sunny Days” bookmark is below.
When and Where we meet
Please come, ask questions and bring a friend. The meeting is at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Library located at 848 N. Sunrise Blvd. We hope to see you there!
You don’t have to be a member to attend. Please come and bring a friend. We generally invite a Guest Speaker for a short presentation starting at 3 p.m.
Fourth Thursday of February, April, June, September
Our General Membership Meeting is Thursday, June 27th, 3 p.m. in the Community Room at the library. Our Guest Speaker will be local artist Jim Reinhardt who created the wall art in the Children’s Reading Room at the library.
December is our annual social.
In the Library Community Room, at 848 N. Sunrise Blvd., Camano Island <click for map>
Contact CILF at camanolibraryfriends@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list.
Guest Speakers
Topics discussed focus on community interests like disaster preparedness, local artists or authors, preserving wildlife habitat, indigenous history and crafts.
Your donation matters
It is easy with PayPal! 
THANK YOU!
Camano Island Library Friends is a member of the Camano Island Chamber of Commerce in support of local businesses. We welcome business members to join the Friends in support of the library.
The Camano Island Library Friends is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that qualifies for tax-deductible donations. We are a Washington state charitable organization, UBI: 602 852 522. Our IRS EIN No. is 2477557.
To see more about our Camano Island Library, please visit: