Libraries are all about lending. Although libraries owe their middle ages origins to lending books (liber is Latin for the inner bark of trees, hence parchment), the concept has expanded into diverse resources with many other items to borrow. On Vashon, we benefit from more than eight libraries that each contribute to our rich sharing economy. in unique ways, and improve our Island community. All are not-for-profit organizations (some funded by our property taxes), and nearly all are run by volunteers. These eight libraries are joining together in celebrating National Library Week since 2022 with a variety of events. We also have an abundance of tiny libraries in many neighborhoods, and all the informal lending that takes place among fellow Islanders. In our world of excess, sharing benefits the planet in many ways, perhaps most importantly by reducing our material footprint saving resources, and reducing waste.
Vashon Events Musical Instrument Borrowing Library
Website: https://www.vashonevents.org/music-instrument-library-new
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vashonevents2022/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VashonEvents
Contact email: vashonevents@gmail.com
The Vashon Events Musical Instrument Library provides access to a wide range of musical instruments for Vashon Island residents of all ages. Woodwinds, string instruments, horns, percussion, microphones, amplifiers, PA’s, speakers, mixing boards, and more are available. There is no charge or membership. Choose the instrument you would like to try out, check its availability, and reserve it for no-contact pickup online. Typical length of time is three months, and band students may borrow instruments for the school year. Vashon Events is a nonprofit 501c3 organization powered by the generous donations of islanders to create, provide, and expand positive life experiences for all through music and art.
Vashon Tool Library
Website: www.vashontools.org
Website: https://vashon.myturn.com/library/
Instagram: @vashon_tool_library
Facebook: Vashon Tool Library
The Vashon Tool Library offers over 1,500 tools to our community, including tools for lawn/garden, construction, woodworking, plumbing, electrical and mechanic's tools. Our mission is to empower the Vashon community to promote sustainable and equitable practices by providing access to shared resources and learning. Over 341 members borrowed tools over 712 times last year! Our inventory is available to browse and reserve online once you become a member, which is free or by voluntary donation. We are open every Wednesday from 4-7pm, Saturday 9am-noon, and Sunday 2-5pm. We are an entirely volunteer-run non for profit 501c organization supported by donations, grants, and our wonderful Vashon Island community and amazing volunteers..
Vashon Library (KCLS)
Phone: 206-463-2069
Website: kcls.org
Website: kcls.org/locations/vashon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vashon_library/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VashonLibrary
Open hours, click HERE
The Vashon Library is one of 49 branches of the King County Library system, one of the largest library systems in the United States. We have lots of books, music, and movies on our shelves waiting to be checked out. But beyond that, we are a community center that strives to connect people to information as well as to each other. The library has free computers, printing, faxing and copying, and two quiet study rooms. We love to help you find your next favorite book, coach installation of ereader apps, assist with reference questions, or offer a space to just sit and relax. The library offers many free programs, both in person and online. In-person events include Curiosity Club for ages 5-12 onTuesdays at 4:15. Baby and Toddler Story Time at 10am on Thursdays, and Preschool Story Time at 11am on Thursdays. Check out kcls.org/events to search for online programs for all ages.
Vashon Care Network’s Care Closet
Website: https://www.vashoncarenetwork.org/carecloset
Contact email: carecloset@vashoncarenetwork.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vashoncarenetwork
Phone: 206.473.8715
The Vashon Care Network grew out of a need to connect people on the Island with services, supplies, and support to live at home independently. Through the Care Closet, we loan durable medical equipment and provide free hygiene supplies. Currently, equipment and supplies are requested by e-mail or phone, but online reservations will be coming!. In addition, we are dedicated to supporting family caregivers and increasing the number of independent caregivers on the Island. We have administered scholarships for the training required to become a Home Care Aide and facilitate workshops, including self-care strategies, for our local caregiver community. We are a non-profit run by enthusiastic volunteers.
The Vashon Care Network will host an Open House and a Free Giveaway of extra medical equipment and supplies at the Care Closet barns, 11AM-1PM, on Saturday April 13, 2024. The Care Closet is located on the grounds of the Lutheran Church, 18623 Vashon Hwy SW.
VIGA: The Growers Library
Website: www.vigavashon.org
Contact email: board@vigavashon.org
Vashon Island Growers Association has served the agricultural community on Vashon for over 30 years most notably by hosting the Vashon Farmers Market. Among many other programs, VIGA hosts a Growers Resource library at the Village Green as well as a Food Preservation Equipment Library. The Growers Library is open April-October on Wednesdays 12-1:30 pm and Saturdays from 9-3 and has literature related to growing and preparing food. The Food Preservation Library was funded by a grant from King Conservation District and has poultry processing equipment, 2 large freeze dryers, dehydrators, miscellaneous canning equipment and vacuum sealers for borrow. We also have miscellaneous equipment for borrow such as: counter top electric grain mill. The goal of the Food Preservation Library is to decrease the waste of Vashon grown food. To borrow any of this equipment, you can contact board@vigavashon.org to schedule.
Vashon Reads
Website: www.vashonreads.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vashonreads/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vashonreads
Contact email: vashonreads@gmail.com
The Vashon Reads Bookmobile is a non-profit that provides greater access to literacy by delivering high interest books to our island’s youth. Our mission is fostering a love of reading for Vashon Island youth, one book at a time. We operate a lending library for children ages 0-18. We are a non-profit that is independent of the King County Library system. Our bookmobile is run by an incredible group of volunteers. Books are delivered across the island in the cutest retired Japanese Fire Truck (a 1994 Subaru Sambar). We have a rotating inventory of over 500 books. Children are able to borrow 2 books at a time, and can exchange them for new ones during bi-monthly visits. In addition to sharing books, we love spreading joy so keep on smiling, waving, and dancing to our incredible tunes as we make our way across the island.
Wednesday, April 6th is National Library Outreach Day aka National Bookmobile Day. To celebrate this day, we would love to open up bookmobile visits to anyone on the island who is interested in learning more about us (yes, even if you have no one from 0-18 in the home). These visits will kick off on April 6th and continue through the 13th. Please email us some good times to stop by and we will confirm a time by email!
Vashon Youth & Family Services Family Place Community Closet
Website: https://vyfs.org/family-place
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vashonyouthandfamilyservices
Contact email: vyfscommunitycloset@vyfs.org
Phone: 206.463.5502
Address: 9822 SW Gorsuch Rd., Vashon, WA 98070
The VYFS Family Place Program has a ‘Community Closet’ with gently used items donated by the community. The closet is filled with lots and lots of clothes and kids supplies, including maternity clothes, baby and children clothes size newborn to 5T, bottles and breastfeeding supplies, infant swaddles, carriers, wraps, diapers, parenting books, and more. ALL is Free for everyone! Delivery can be arranged or items can be picked up.
Vashon No Trash Bash Stash
Contact email: abby.l.faust@gmail.com
The No Trash Bash Stash has items such as flatware, cloth napkins, table linen, plates, mugs, and more for your next event. The goal of the No Trash Bash is to reduce single use waste and lower the cost of renting items for small to large events.
Little Free Libraries
Click HERE for a map!
Thanks to Margie Schilling Butcher for putting this together!
Grievers Library
Contact email: coordinator@vashoncenter.org
OUR MISSION: Grievers Library offers the companionship of books to those among us living with grief.
The Grievers Library is a volunteer-run, community, supported nonprofit project that serves bereaved individuals of all ages with curated grief books located in publicly accessible Book Boxes. Everything about the Grievers Library is refreshingly non-commercial. The Grievers Library is not promoting any authors, books or publishers. We are providing free grief bibliotherapy in a box. We see our Book Boxes as “medicine cabinets filled with love potions for easy dispensing to those afflicted with heartache and despair.”
Poetry Library
Contact email: margaretroncone333@gmail.com
Our little library for poetry was installed on the property of the 1st Presbyterian Church, March 21st. It was one of the ambitions of Margaret Roncone, current poet laureate of Vashon. In a blustery wind a reading ceremony was held to celebrate the event.
Reusable Cup Project
Contact email: crrbc@comcast.net, nadine@nadineedelstein.com
We are excited to provide nonprofits and Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce members an alternative to disposable cups for events. The Reusable Cup Project is a stash of 14oz and 8oz stainless steel cups. These cups are owned by the Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce and currently stored at The O Space. For more info on this project, email Celia Congdon and CC Nadine Edelstein.
Doggie Stick Library
This is on our “Wish List” - we think we should have a Doggie Stick Library on Vashon… Who’s going to create one?!