“Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” So said Margaret Meade.

During March and April 2007 a team of committed groups of citizens changed the Coupeville Library!

Central Whidbey Lions, Coupeville High School Honor Society students, Town of Coupeville, Friends of the Coupeville Library, Boy Scout Troops 4053 and 4058, Coupeville Festival Association, Coupeville Library staff and Teresa Adkins came together to volunteer their time and expertise in updating and painting the library. Over 450 hours were logged in by volunteers and more than 4,000 books were moved by our teens.

Controlled chaos began each Saturday evening and all day Sunday for five weekends. Books were moved, shelving removed from walls and the painting began. The entire project was completed without a single day of interrupted library service to the Coupeville community. It took great planning and teamwork to accomplish this feat!

Seeing community groups coming together to complete a common goal is what this community is all about. My heartfelt thanks to all the individuals involved and especially to Bill Jones, Central Whidbey Lions president and project manager, for his willingness to take this project on. This project could not have been completed without the teamwork of so many talented individuals. You have made a huge difference in your community library.

Leslie Franzen

Branch manager