About

The Shaw Island Library & Historical Society preserves the stories, spirit, and heritage of Shaw Island through its library, museum, and community programs. Entirely volunteer-run and supported by donations, the organization serves as both a learning resource and a cultural gathering place for islanders and visitors alike.

LEGACY

Our History

The Shaw Island Library & Historical Society is a private organization, funded through donations.

All who run the library and museum are volunteers, making the society one of the last independent organizations of its kind in the state.

Annual memberships are $5 per person and run from July 1 through June 30. Lifetime memberships are $50 per person.

To join, download, fill out, and drop off a membership form.

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Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Present

Mission Statement

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.

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People Of

Shaw Island Library & Historical Society

Librarian

Nancy Zakes

Children's/Young Adult Books

Jody Schmidt

Membership Librarian

Elaine Griffin

Volunteer Coordinator

Janice Ekstrom

DVD Coordinator

Aidan Shannon

Volunteer Librarians

Debbie Anderson, Lynn Bahrych, Amber Borner, Carolyn Brantigan, Caryn Buck, Terri Cable, Mother Catarina, Jan Chamberlin, Theresa Cole, Doug Crosby, Janice Ekstrom, Sally Frankenberg, Caitlin Grant, Lorrie Harrison, Chris Hopkins, Barb Husted, Kai Kamrath, Shannon Klohr & Jasper, Gary Lange, Shirley Lange, Brian Lynch, Buni Lynch, Alex MacLeod, Alice Nelsen, Donatas Pocus, Carol Poliak, Jody Schmidt, Kate Schuman, Deanna Shannon, Liz Stedman, Corinne Storey, Jennifer Swanson, Gail Tiffany, Carol Whitfield, Louis Whitford, Olivia Whitford, Willie Williams, Jennifer Woodbridge, Anne Wysocki, Nancy Zakes

Board of Trustees

Doug Crosby, President
Nancy Zakes, Vice President
Val Swengel, Recording Secretary
Jim Allaway
Debbie Anderson
Jan Chamberlin
David Checkley
Gary Lange
Alice Nelsen

Officers

Kate Schuman, Treasurer
Carol Whitfield, Corresponding Secretary

Other Responsibilities

David Checkley, Speaker Series
Jim Allaway, Seattle Arts and Lectures
Doug Crosby, Facilities
Debbie Anderson/Alice Nelson, Merchandise
Willie Williams, Gardening Coordinator

Museum Co-Curators

Annette Smith & Terri Cable

Education Committee

Jennifer Swanson, Chair
Terri Cable
Jan Chamberlin
Shirley Lange
Deanna Shannon

Financial Advisory Committee

Caryn Buck, Chair
Jim Allaway
David Checkley
Doug Crosby
Kai Kamrath

Other Volunteer Support

Ray Glaze, Tech Support
Ned Griffin, Tech Support
Sue Anderson, Website Build Coordinator

Membership

Join Today

Your support ensures the preservation of Shaw’s history and the continuation of community programs that educate, connect, and inspire.

Becoming a member helps sustain the Shaw Island Library & Historical Society, keeping our library and museum open to all. 

Annual memberships are $5 per person and run from July 1 through June 30. Lifetime memberships are $50 per person.

Additional donations are always welcome and tax-deductible.

Make a Donation

Your support matters.
Visit

Come and See Us

Location

2346 Blind Bay Rd
Shaw Island, WA 98286

Hours

Tuesday: 2 pm  – 4 pm
Thursday: 11 am – 1 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 12 pm & 2 pm – 4 pm

Admission

Free.
Donations welcome.

Accessibility

Shaw
Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities

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.