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.
Our Fall Book Sale was a big success!!
People lined up outside the doors before opening. We had a great selection of fiction, nonfiction and children’s books. Bags fulls of books flew out the door. We reduced our inventory and made room for more book donations. A big thank you to the volunteers who worked tirelessly on Friday to get the room set up – it looked awesome! Customers loved how organized the selections were which made shopping so much easier. Thank you to our volunteers who worked the sale on Saturday – helping customers find books, making recommendations and just having fun with fellow book lovers. This was our biggest fund raiser of the year. Read what you love! All proceeds go to fund programs and events at our beautiful library. Thanks to all who purchased books – money well spent!
Thank you Camano Island!
On August 16 about 450 Camano Island residents came to a Party at the Commons to celebrate the library’s 10th anniversary. The highlight of the day was the “burning of the bond” to signify the end of the tax levy this year. Remarks on the importance of our library to the community were made by Janet St. Clair, Island County Commissioner; Rose Olson, President of Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees; Jack Archibald, local artist and musician? library supporter?; David Durante, Deputy Director of Sno-Isle Libraries; Jonalyn Woolf-Ivory, retired Executive Director of Sno-Isle Libraries; and Lin Fogg, President of Camano Island Library Friends.
Earlier in the day, kids giggled and screamed at the Jeff Evans Magic Show. Faces were painted, sand art necklaces and paper airplanes were made, and kids played yard games on the lawn. Nancy Pearl, “America’s Favorite Librarian”, spoke to a full Community Room in the afternoon with refreshments provided by Windermere. Thank you to Camano Commons Marketplace, The Baked Café, and Camano Tapped for their special offers. Heartfelt gratitude to all who came to this fun event. Thank you to the Friends volunteers and library staff who made this event possible.
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 2026
The Friends are excited to have Jessie Sandstrom as our bookmark artist for the 2026 membership drive. She 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 Jessie below…
Jessie Sandstrom is a self-taught artist who has been painting and drawing for as long as she can remember. After a career in apparel design and fabric development, she returned to art as a means of creative expression. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Jessie draws inspiration from the natural world around her in all of her works.
Her paintings are mostly inspired by nature—fish, birds, flowers, and living forms observed and reimagined through my own vision. Rather than aiming for strict realism, I interpret what I see, allowing color, movement, and intuition to shape each piece. The paintings grow from taking a closer look: to light, texture, and pattern. Painting is a way for me to slow down in a persistently busy world. My process is intuitive and layered. I create and respond to what emerges on the canvas, allowing imperfections and surprises to remain part of the final work. Through this approach, I hope to create paintings that feel a bit more contemplative rather than explanatory.
Jessie lives on Camano Island with her husband, two kids, and their lovable pets.
Currently, she has pieces featured in local shops and is exploring new art series to share with you!
Jessie’s beautiful 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: