Friends of the Manchester Library

New! Donate now using a credit card or your PayPal Account! You will receive a tax receipt by return email... it couldn't be simpler!

 

Library History & Meeting Room

Chicken Coop


History               

Manchester Community Library was founded in 1947, when Mary J. Sanford offered rent free space for a library in the Shopping Mart. Kitsap County Library System provided books and trained volunteers who donated their time for one year. The library officially opened for business on September 26, 1947. It was open every Friday from 2-5 and from 7-9.

After the first year, the library moved to Mr. Sam Denniston's chicken house, which had been renovated by the Library Committee. In 1953, it was torn down and the community raised $800 for a 16'x24' modular building. On September 21, 1980 the present library measuring 1400 square feet was dedicated. It was paid for by the community and a donation from Kitsap Regional Library System.

In April 1994, an addition of 1400 square feet was completed. The addition houses a meeting room, bookstore, and the periodical area.

Thanks to the Long Lake Garden Club and the Friends of the Manchester Library for recently landscaping the library grounds.

Friends of the Library             

The Friends of Manchester Library meets regularly once a month on the fourth Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the library meeting room. The library building operating expenses are paid entirely by this community group. The volunteers in this group raise funds through the annual salmon bake held on Father's Day, collect proceeds from their well managed bookstore that is open during library hours, and gather rental revenue from the meeting room. Donations also help pay expenses. The Friends group welcomes new members.

Manchester Book Worms

Manchester Book Worms Book Discussion Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month in the Manchester Library Louise Pedersen Community Room 7-8:30 p.m. Check the Events calendar for sales dates.
 

 

Meeting Room

Our Louise Pedersen meeting room in the North wing of the Library is available for rental for classes, community meetings, social gatherings, etc.

The room rental is just another source of income to help us keep the Library operating. The room is available seven days per week at any hour. Restrooms are accessible from the meeting room.

Contact the Library staff to make special arrangements for room access during hours when the Library is not normally open.

The room capacity is 38+ and we have chairs and tables to accommodate almost any event. There is a refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, TV and VCR.

The Library staff coordinates the room rental. You may see what reservations have already been made on the event calendar posted in the Library.

The room rental rates are $20 for the first two hours and $10 for each additional hour; special reduced rates may apply to governmental agencies and non-profit groups (see Library staff for specifics). Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance for deposits to be refundable. A cleaning deposit is required when food is being served. The room is not firmly rented until a check is received by the Librarian on duty and a receipt received by the person making the reservation.

We ask that you leave the room tidy, re-stack the chairs/tables, turn out the lights, and securely lock the room if after hours. Other special information on room rental is posted in the Library. If you have any other questions, feel free to call the Library at 360-871-3921. 

 

Updated 2/4/12 info@manchesterwa.org