Behind the shelves of all of the Kitsap Regional Libraries are dedicated groups of volunteers who make sure these community pillars don’t just survive- but thrive.

Friends of Libraries are nonprofit, volunteer-driven organizations designed to assist libraries in a variety of ways, from raising funds to advocating for library needs. These groups are independent of the libraries they support, yet they work closely with library management to ensure that the library’s services and resources meet the needs of the community.

The Port Orchard Library has been a community staple since 1924. While the city owns and maintains the building, the Friends of the Port Orchard Library play a crucial role in raising funds to support the library’s programs and infrastructure— just like all the Friends groups in the county.

Funds raised through book sales and other events directly benefit services that would otherwise be beyond the library’s operating budget. For example, the Friends group funds the summer learning program, which provides children with reading incentives and educational materials throughout the summer.

Kathleen Wilson, South Kitsap Regional branch manager, highlighted the role the Friends group plays. “The funds they raise help us purchase books, hire summer staff, and provide resources for community events like Waterfront Wednesdays,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Manchester Friends of the Library is unique because the group owns the library building. The group is responsible for the building’s operating expenses, repairs, and capital improvements.

Their largest fundraising event, the Father’s Day Salmon Bake, has become a key community tradition. This annual event, along with quarterly book sales and a year-round plant sale, helps fund the maintenance of the library building as well as its programs. In 2022, the Manchester Friends group expanded the library by adding new reading space and installing solar panels.

“The Friends of Manchester do so much more than just support our programming—they ensure the library building remains functional and welcoming to the community,” Wilson said. “Without their fundraising efforts, we wouldn’t have been able to make the necessary improvements or expand the space to meet growing demand.”

All of the Friends groups rely heavily on volunteers. For example, Port Orchard’s group meets weekly to sort through book donations and maintain their book sale room, while Manchester volunteers oversee the plant sale and ensure the library is well-stocked with books.

“We have an amazing group of Friends,” Wilson said. “They are doing a lot for the libraries and you can see the difference through the amount of money they bring and their involvement, it’s really great.”

You can help byDonating your skills and time to help strengthen your Library.

Serving as a volunteer at special Library events.

Promoting the resources our Library brings to the community.

Volunteering at Friends of the Library book sales, which raise funds for equipment, materials and other library projects.

Projects includeChildren’s reading awards

Entertaining and educational programs

Library equipment and fixtures

Grounds beautification

Concert series