Submitted by Lopez Island Library

Join us Wednesday, July 12 at 11 a.m. as the Lopez Island Library hosts the 37th Annual Teddy Bear Picnic. This special event is held in the orchard behind the library each year in honor of Helen Anderson who started the Teddy Bear Picnic in 1978. Helen, a retired schoolteacher, had a passion for children and learning. From 1968 to 1990, she was instrumental in establishing programs and materials for children in the Lopez Library. Each week she read stories to the children and haunted bookstores looking for decent used books to help build the children’s collection. Many adults, ages 25–48, raised on Lopez, learned to love reading as children because of her. In 1986, the children’s room of the library was dedicated to her.

The picnic is one of the largest events held by the library each year and is now held annually in Helen’s honor. There is typically great weather and this year popular local musician Bill Johnson along with the library’s own Sam Bernardi will lead children in wonderful sing-along songs. Mr. Bear visits each year too! Children may bring their favorite stuffed friend along for the fun and snacks will be provided. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the legacy of Helen Anderson, the joys of childhood and the brilliance of a summer picnic. For more information contact the Lopez Island Library at 468-2265. The Teddy Bear Picnic is sponsored each year by the Friends of the Lopez Library.