Events for the Kingston Library Branch 

Location for all events: Kingston Library Branch

Event Questions: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or Phone: 360-297-3330

All Other Questions: "Ask a Librarian"

	Book Discussions - Book discussions are a forum where readers can come together and talk about books and the reading experience. You'll find when your library branch book group will be meeting and what we'll be reading. Newcomers are always welcome!
	Book Sale - Please see the details for your branch book sales here.
	Children's Events - We have storytimes for babies, for toddlers and for families. There are craft projects for all ages and plenty of fun events for your school-age child.
	Friends of the Library - Each of our KRL branch libraries has a Friends of the Library group. These groups are private nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to enhancing the branches through fundraising and advocacy efforts.
	Special Events - There are film nights, game nights, crafts and more. At the Port Orchard Branch, we have recently added a weekly talk time program for non-native English speakers.
	All Events - You will find a printable list of all the events we offer this month at the Kingston Branch.

Library History

The Kingston Library became a member of the Kitsap County Library in 1945 after being encouraged by the County Librarian, Hazel Duncan who helped the interested group find an adequate space for its library. An "open house" on July 10, 1945, marked the beginning of service in the small cafeteria room behind the Kingston schoolhouse, a room that was used not only by the children but also by the townspeople.

Mr. George Bonner made the shelves with lumber donated by the Port Gamble Mill. Major Albert Swift, Mrs. Maxine Minert, Mrs. Joseph Pickels, Mrs. Vara Newman, and Mrs. Marie Swift were among the first board members. Mrs. Bernice Refilling was the first librarian.

After the old school house became a part of the County Park System, efforts were made to move the library into one of the school rooms. Major Swift, along with fellow Kingston Rifle Club members built more shelves and arranged them in the former 1st/2nd grade room. In 1959, about 1/3rd of the room was partitioned off for a storeroom and the ceiling was lowered to reduce heating costs. In 1976, it was necessary to remove the partition again since more space was desperately needed. In 1985, the Bayside Community Church moved to their new building and the old building became the Community Center. Capital improvement funds from a library levy were used as start up funds for the Center so the library could be moved to its present location.

Friends of the Library             back to top

The Friends meet at the Kingston Community Center on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 am. Membership dues are $10.00 annually. For more information, contact the current president, Jerrianne Helberg,  c/o Kingston Library, P. O. Box 519, Kingston, WA 98346. The members put on three book sales each year as well as an ongoing sale in the library.