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 Talk with Kim Fay Coming Up Soon!
Please mark your calendars for our next Author Talk on Saturday, May 3rd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Camano Center with Kim Fay, who penned the instant National Bestseller “Love & Saffron”. Kim’s newest book “Kate & Frida” was released on March 11th. Kim will do a Q&A as part of her talk. Seaport Books from La Conner is partnering with us again and will be on hand to sell Kim’s books. Please come and ask Kim to autograph your book selection!
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 2024-2025
The Friends are excited to have Jason Otto as our bookmark artist for the 2024-2025 membership drive. He has created a unique design that fits perfectly with our island home community. Upon renewing membership, joining Friends or giving a donation, you will receive this bookmark with a thank you letter. Please get to know Jason below…
Jason Otto is a Northwest contemporary artist. His main medium is acrylic on canvas. Lively brush strokes and energetic compositions distinguish his works.
Otto emphasizes design and color in his paintings. For him, it’s not just about recreating a scene on canvas, it’s about expressing an energy and mood through design and discovery. “The scene being painted becomes a vehicle for doing exciting things with paint and composition. My artwork is an interpretation of what I see and the drama it expresses.”
He has called the Northwest his home for over 30 years. He is retired from Boeing, where he worked as a computer software engineer. His father, Curtis Otto, was a prolific artist in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
His subject matter is diverse but incudes a number of local themes such as Northwest ferries, lighthouses, beaches, annd some very unique paintings depicting the Boeing aerospace manufacturing facility.
Otto has shown his work at a number of venues including the Future of Flight Museum, the Lynnwood Convention Center, the Schack Art Museum, Fresh Paint, Art by the Bay, the Everett Art Walk, and the old Longacres racetrack, to name a few.
Jason’s beautiful “Gulls” 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 next General Membership Meeting is Thursday, April 24th, 3 p.m. in the Community 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
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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: