Originally published Saturday, July 26, 1997

By CECELIA GOODNOW
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

In one out of four island families, at least one person makes money from the arts.

Eagle Harbor Book Co. counts more than 100 island authors, including David Guterson, crime writer Jack Olsen, Rebecca Wells, garden maven Ann Lovejoy, Fred Moody and children's writers George Shannon and Barbara Berger. Theresa Morrow's new book on Bainbridge architect James Cutler is the store's current best seller.

"There are dozens of book groups on the island," said bookseller Margaret Nevinski. "The people who buy books here really know what they want to read. I'd say the emphasis here is on literary fiction."

Not only do 90 percent of island residents own library cards, but citizens recently contributed more than $2 million to a campaign to double the size of the Bainbridge Public Library, which was built with private funds in 1962 and later expanded.

The library, which receives staff and materials from the Kitsap Regional Library, reopened in July to great fanfare. The centerpiece is a new, contemplative garden donated by the Bainbridge Island Japanese American community, whose members have played a major role in island history.

Despite their casual Birkenstocks and blue jeans, Bainbridgers are a highly educated crowd. Roughly half the island's adults have college degrees, compared with 23 percent for the state and 20 percent for Kitsap County. Eighteen percent have graduate or professional degrees.

Not surprisingly, Bainbridge kids score well above average on standardized tests, and nine out of 10 high school graduates go on to college. Taxpayers, known for their unwavering support of local levies, recently approved plans for a major remodel of the high school and construction of a new school for grades 5-6.