Big check marks major milestone for Project Little Red
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Submitted by Lopez Island Library District.
The Lopez Island Library has taken an important step forward in Project Little Red, a $2 million capital campaign to ensure the library remains safe, sound and ready to provide enrichment, education and enjoyment for generations to come.
Representatives of Friends of the Lopez Island Library recently presented the library with a ceremonial “big check” for $227,000. This marks the successful completion of the community fundraising needed to qualify the library for a matching grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Together, the Friends’ contribution, the Department of Commerce grant and funding from San Juan County’s Public Facilities Financing Assistance Program will support Phase 1 of Project Little Red: replacing the library’s aging roof and failing windows. These essential improvements will protect the building, improve energy efficiency and safeguard the community’s investment in this much-loved public space.
This milestone would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of the Lopez community. Donations large and small from nearly 300 individuals and families helped the library meet the required match and unlock significant public funding for the project.
“We are deeply grateful to the Friends and to every community member who contributed,” said Library Director Darren Hoerner. “This is an incredible demonstration of what Lopez can accomplish when people come together around something they value. The library belongs to this community, and the community has truly stepped up to protect its future.”
With Phase 1 fundraising complete, the library is now moving ahead with selecting an architectural firm to guide the re-roofing and window replacement project through design, permitting, bidding and construction.
While the big check represents an important achievement, the work of Project Little Red continues. The Friends of the Lopez Island Library are already raising funds for Phase 2, which will address additional building and infrastructure needs and help ensure the library remains welcoming, accessible, resilient and functional well into the future. Learn more at https://friendsoflopezlibrary.org/.
The library extends its heartfelt thanks to the Friends for their remarkable partnership, year-round fundraising efforts and commitment to the library’s future, as well as to the many individuals, families, businesses and organizations that have stepped forward with donations.
