Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation

08/25/2026

Dolly Parton (1946-2026)

"I love books, and I believe that helping kids to read gives them a great start in life."
"Because books, my friends, are true magic bound between two covers."
"If you can read, you can find books on anything you want. You can self-educate..."

We are deeply saddened by the passing of country music legend and cultural icon, Dolly Parton. In addition to being a brilliant singer, songwriter, and entertainer, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted more than 332 million books to children since she created it 31 years ago, ensuring kids, regardless of income or circumstance, could have books of their own. In Washington State alone, Dolly Parton has gifted more than 3 million free books to young children. RIP, Dolly! 🖤

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

08/18/2026

We're just 10 DAYS AWAY from the deadline for applications to join Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation's Board of Directors!

If you or someone you know is passionate about public libraries, we hope you'll pursue/share this opportunity to make a real difference in your community.

To learn more and apply, visit https://bit.ly/4wEpWEl . Interested candidates must reside in Snohomish or Island County.

*The deadline to apply is Friday, August 28, 2026.*

08/10/2026

You have 5 more days to support our Reward a Reader Campaign, which provides prize books for -Isle Libraries Summer Reading Program Finishers!

Summer Reading participants who read 10 hours or more will receive a free book to celebrate their achievement. With your help, we will place 5,000 books into the hands of kids and teens!

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/sno-isle-libraries-foundation/reward-a-reader-summer-reading-2026-campaign

08/07/2026

Interested in making a difference in your community?

Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation is seeking to expand its Board of Directors with new members who are passionate about making a difference for public libraries. Interested candidates must reside in Snohomish or Island County.

To learn more and apply, visit https://bit.ly/4wEpWEl . The application deadline is Friday, August 28, 2026.

07/30/2026

The Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation is thrilled to continue its support of the annual Mariner Fest, which helps provide school bags and much-needed school supplies to local families.

Join us in Everett this Saturday, August 1, for a day of fun activities for the whole family. Many thanks to the Arcora Foundation for their generous support!

Come join us for the 5th annual Mariner Fest presented by Project Girl Mentoring Program, Everett Housing Authority & Sno-Isle Libraries - Mariner Community Campus.

Enjoy back to school giveaways, games, free food, and meet the over 70 local organizations and agencies who will be in attendance.

Saturday, August 1st, 2026 ~ 11am-3pm
Mariner High School Athletic Fields
200 120th St SW, Everett, WA 98204

Registration for backpacks are open now; space is filling fast:
https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/mpl_CER2NluWw76OUpiyf7fQPQ

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
Sound Transit, Molina Healthcare, Arcora Foundation, Community Transit. Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation, Everett Housing Authority, Project Girl Mentoring Group, & Sno-Isle Libraries.

07/22/2026

Election materials have been mailed! Sno-Isle Libraries is on the ballot for the August 4 election, and your vote will decide your library’s future. Learn more about the vote to restore the library levy at https://www.sno-isle.org/levy/.

07/10/2026

We're thrilled to share our 2025 Impact Report, which highlights some key milestones from last year and celebrates 25 years of partnership between -Isle Libraries and the Foundation. Here's to 25 more!

https://sno-islefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2025-SILF-Impact-Report.pdf

07/02/2026

A big thank you to Island Thrift for a $2,000 grant in support of our Newborn Outreach Bags: First Book for Every Baby project! This donation will purchase board books for every Whidbey Island baby and will be included in a resource bag full of goodies for the parents.

And, if you enjoy thrifting and live on Whidbey Island, we recommend a stop at Island Thrift—all of your purchases there will help support programs throughout the community.

https://www.islandthriftoakharbor.org/

06/23/2026

We are overjoyed that this year’s Sno-Isle Reads Together featured book is the bestselling debut novel "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by the brilliant Shelby Van Pelt! The book became a word-of-mouth phenomenon, selling over 2 million copies, spending more than 64 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and inspiring a 2026 Netflix film adaptation starring Sally Field. If you haven’t read it yet, make sure to grab a copy from your local library. 🐙🌊

Sno-Isle Reads Together is one of many exceptional programs made possible with funding from Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation. Learn more at https://www.sno-isle.org/reads-together/.