This is a place where stories live on. From timeless books to preserved local history, we connect the Shaw Island community through learning, curiosity, and care.
Each year, the Shaw Island Library and Historical Society welcomes around 2,000 visitors. Members check out more than 1,200 books each year. The library also provides DVDs, magazines, local newspapers, a copier, and a public computer with internet access, all available to members.
We are proud to be one of the last entirely volunteer-run and donation-funded libraries and museums in Washington State. Our services exist thanks to the generosity and dedication of the Shaw Island community.
What began as a humble bookshelf in the Shaw Store post office became a lasting institution. With the dedication of islanders and the spirit of community, the Shaw Island Library and Historical Society was born, preserving stories, sharing knowledge, and celebrating Shaw’s unique heritage.
The Shaw Island Library and Historical Society brings people, information, and ideas together to educate and enrich lives, promote the love of reading, build community, and preserve Shaw Island history.
Whether you’re a lifelong islander or visiting for the first time, the library and museum offer a place to connect, learn, and reflect.
Through access to books, archives, and community programs, we encourage curiosity, support lifelong learning, and foster a shared love of reading and discovery. We believe knowledge should be shared, stories preserved, and everyone made to feel welcome.
By caring for the memories, artifacts, and voices of Shaw Island’s past, we help future generations understand the people and places that shape this island we call home.
We host a wide range of programs year-round, from author talks and film screenings to history lectures and live music. All events are open to the public, and most are free thanks to community support.
Come curious. Leave inspired.
Help us keep the Shaw Island Library and Historical Society running smoothly. From shelving books and organizing displays to assisting visitors and hosting events, there’s a role for every interest and availability.
