The Little Bookshop That Could: How Port Townsend’s Volunteers Are Writing a Love Story to Their Library

News by Rachael Nutting 

There is a special kind of magic that happens when a community rallies around its library. In Port Townsend, that magic has a name: The Friends of the Library. And at the heart of their operation is a charming little bookshop that has become so much more than a place to buy used books—it is a testament to the power of passionate volunteers and the city’s enduring love affair with reading.

After a brief, unexpected hiatus, the Friends Bookshop is officially back open, and the collective sigh of relief from the community can be felt all the way from the historic Pink House to the Carnegie Library.

A Congenial Community is Reborn

The brainchild of volunteers Jody Glaubman and Lauretta Frost, the Friends Bookshop first opened its doors in February 2023. The goal was simple: create a steady, weekly home for donated books to supplement the organization's popular sales. What they did not anticipate was creating a little hub of congeniality.

"It has been truly rewarding to see so many familiar faces come through the door," shares Kristine Kaufman, one of the Friends volunteers. "All of them are expressing relief that we are back."

The shop had to shut down suddenly in September 2025 due to structural work on the historic Pink House. But in a heartwarming display of dedication, a team of enthusiastic volunteers swarmed the space as soon as it was deemed safe in late February. In just a few days, they cleaned, restocked, and decorated, breathing life back into the beloved shop. It’s a powerful metaphor for the organization itself: resilient, community-driven, and always ready to turn the page to the next chapter.

More than just books

Now open every Monday and Thursday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Bookshop is a treasure trove of constantly changing stock, thanks to our "very well-read" community. But its impact extends far beyond its cozy shelves.

The success of the Bookshop and the larger annual book sales has allowed the Friends to streamline their efforts, moving from three massive annual sales to two, making things easier on their volunteers. This efficiency means more books are returned to circulation, and more funds are raised to support the library.

And the list of what they support is staggering.

As Library Manager Keith Darrock recently highlighted, the annual Community Read—now in its remarkable 21st year—is made possible through the Friends’ generous support. This year’s selection, Ian’s Ride, has blossomed into a city-wide exploration of parks, trails, and accessibility, featuring partnerships with everyone from the city engineer to the port director and Jefferson Transit. It is a perfect example of how the Friends’ funding helps weave the library into the very fabric of the community.

Their contributions, which supplement the city’s tax-funded levy, touch nearly every corner of the library experience. They fund the popular Summer Reading program, provide book club kits, and even supply "reminiscence kits" for patrons with dementia and Alzheimer's. They have funded the wildly popular "Zen Booth"—a quiet sanctuary jokingly referred to as the "shushing booth"—and helped with major capital projects, including the historic wall restoration that won a preservation award. For 2026 alone, the Friends have pledged over $222,000 to support library programs, collections, and capital projects.

The heartbeat of the operation: The volunteers

None of this would be possible without an unseen network of dedicated people.  

It takes a team to empty the donation bin in front of the library every single day, rain or shine. Another team of sorters at the First Presbyterian Church carefully evaluates each book to find its perfect home. More than 25 volunteers staff the Bookshop, while dozens more ensure the big sales run smoothly. One volunteer single-handedly maintains the two bookcases inside the library entrance, and when the weather warms up, others haul boxes to the Farmers Market for outdoor pop-ups.

This is a labor of love, powered by over 100 volunteers and a board of past presidents who have dedicated decades to the cause.

A legacy of love

The Friends of the Port Townsend Library (which merged with the Library Foundation in 2024) has been supporting the library since 1978. Their history is woven into the very walls of the library buildings, from the seismically retrofitted Carnegie building to the beautifully renovated Pink House.

As Melody Sky Weaver, Director of the Community Services Department, perfectly put it, quoting Dr. Seuss: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's just not."

In Port Townsend, a whole awful lot of someones care. They care about keeping books in circulation, funding vital programs, and creating a space where community and literature meet. The little bookshop in the Pink House is more than just a store; it is a living, breathing symbol of that care. It’s a place where every purchase is a donation, every volunteer is a hero, and every visitor is a friend.

The Friends Bookshop is located in the rear of the historic Pink House and is open Mondays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. To learn more about becoming a member, donating books or volunteering, visit friendsofptlibrary.org.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled Keith Darrock's last name.