Liberty Bay Books hosts second annual fundraiser for the Marine Science Center.

If there’s one thing that Liberty Bay Books is known for, outside of its book jackets and in-house espresso stand, it’s for throwing a family-friendly, community-wide, come-one-come-all party.

Case in point — the spring 2006 West Sound Reads literacy takeover of the Zone Sportsplex, not too mention last summer’s Harry Potter Mania on Front Street. In addition to the author and book-centric events you would expect from an independent bookstore, Liberty Bay also puts a strong emphasis on community.

Last summer Libert Bay raised nearly $5,000 for Little Norway’s Marine Science Center, located just up the street from the bookstore, and organizers are hoping to do it all again this year. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Liberty Bay Books will be activity central for a host of marine-themed happenings throughout downtown Poulsbo.

The Marine Science Center will be open all day welcoming visitors, Liberty Bay will host activities and a scavenger hunt for the kids while adults can follow their own scavenger hunt to specials at local restaurants and businesses.

Liberty Bay Books owner Suzanne Droppert said they’re hoping to have something for everyone in downtown Poulsbo.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Liberty Bay party without an author to feature. Esteemed Bainbridge Island author and artist, a designated Island Treasure, Barbara Helen Berger will be reading from her beloved children’s books on the afternoon. Bring the kids to hear “Thunder Bunny,” “A Lot of Otters” and more while helping raise money for the Marine Science Center.

For more on Berger’s books check out www.bhberger.com

For more on the MSC Fundraiser, contact Liberty Bay at www.libertybaybooks.com or (360) 779-5909.