discover life's possibilities | September

We Can Do Great Things Together
Did you enjoy the County Fair as much as I did? We had lots of fun at the Library's booth this year, and on a personal note, I submitted a few things in a couple different exhibits- a baby quilt, a jar of honey, and a few pieces of writing. It was exciting to see my entries lined up next to others at the County Fair, but even more exciting was to see the breadth and quality of the islands' skills and talents. There must be something inspiring in the air, because there was so much creativity, resourcefulness, and inventiveness on display.
 
The Fair reminded me that one of the privileges and pleasures of working at our Library is that I get to see many ways that the community works together. From the library art committee's quarterly art shows, which frequently feature local artists, to the community programs in which we share our passions and teach one another, to the many island organizations working in partnership to provide services, every day I have the opportunity to see how our community works together to improve our lives.
 
I was thinking of all these things as I worked on updating the Library’s Local Resources page. This page collects local links for a variety of resources, including health and well-being support, news, employment, and more. I encourage you to take a look! There are many people working on this island to make it a better place, and we are so grateful for them. 
 
-Anthony
Anthony Morris

-Assistant Director
-Crackerjack jim-dandy
-Fell-field wanderer
 
Currently Reading

ALL ISLANDS READ
The All Islands Read (AIR) event seeks to build community spirit through a shared reading experience featuring live events with acclaimed author and musician Willy Vlautin and author and poet Jane Wong. This year’s program extends from Orcas Island to all of the San Juan Islands, including San Juan, Lopez, and Shaw.
 
Vlautin’s new novel, “The Horse” (Harper Collins), tells the compassionate story of a tenderhearted man grappling with a steady talent and a crushing addiction. Joining Willy is award-winning author and poet Jane Wong. Hailed by critics, Wong’s incandescent and exquisitely written memoir “Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City” (Tin House Publishing) explores themes of family, food, girlhood, resistance, and growing up in a Chinese American restaurant on the Jersey Shore.
 
The library has several copies of both titles available to check out. In addition, Griffin Bay Bookstore is generously accepting 20% off coupons to island residents who wish to buy the book. Simply stop by the library and ask for a coupon at the front desk.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
ADULT
Gelli Printing
Sept. 18th, 6pm
 
Learn Gelli printing techniques to create your very own unique postcards to send to your friends. Reserve your spot now!
 
TEEN
After Hours Lock-in
 
The first Teen After Hours Lock-in of the school year is officially on the books! Registration for the October 18th event will open on October 1st through our online calendar. Save the dates!
YOUTH
Preschool Story Play
Friday Mornings 10am-11:30am
 
Join us for Preschool Story Play, an interactive literacy and play-based storytime designed for children ages 3-5. Older and younger siblings welcome!

MEET THE TRUSTEES
A total of 5 individuals who serve rotating, volunteer, five-year terms comprise the library’s Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees focuses on setting library policy & budget and meets with the library director on a monthly basis, usually at 3 pm on the second Tuesday of each month in the library’s meeting room. This continuing feature will introduce all our current Trustees.
Boyd Pratt - Board President

Boyd C. Pratt was born in the (then) Territory of Hawaii at Kapiolani Hospital—the birthplace of President Obama! He went to St. John’s College in Santa Fe and graduate school in architecture at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. In addition to farming and previously working at the Library as the Adult Programs Associate, he has researched local history including barns and other historic structures and published histories of lime making, farming, fishing in the islands, and ordinary life in the islands during the Pig War period. Favorite authors include Jane Austen, Herman Melville, and Fyodor Dostoevsky; in music, Gregorian chant and jazz; and then there are all those zombie movies … Boyd particularly recommends Train to Busan, if that is your sort of thing.
 
 
LIBRARY COSTUME CLOSET

The San Juan Island Library's free Costume Closet is now open! No donation is required to "shop", but we are currently accepting donations of clean costumes for all ages and sizes. Drop by anytime we're open to see our ever-changing selection. You might just find your next great costume!
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Art Bar
October 2, 2024
2:00pm - 4:00pm
 
Youth in grades K-5 are invited to join us for our open-ended crafter-ganza, After School Art Bar, on Wednesday, October 2 from 2-4 PM! You bring your imagination, we'll provide the supplies!
  
Baby Toddler Time
 Thursday mornings at 10am
 
Baby Toddler Time is a storytime and play group designed for caregivers with infants and toddlers. We will explore Playing, Reading, Rhyming, and Singing combined with plenty of social and play time to support your little one's development. 
 
Musical Storytime
with Kristen Arnim
Friday, Sept. 20th at 10am
 
Join us for a special Musical Storytime with Kristen Arnim, local musician and storyteller. Dance, sing along, and stay afterwards for social play with other kiddos and families!
 
 
Oktoberfest
 Saturday, September 28th
 
Join the Library at the San Juan Island Brewing Company's 6th annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 28th. The Library will be there with a Lego building table and a craft activity from 12:00 - 4:00pm.
 
 
STAFF PICKS
Check out our current faves!
 
Eden
by Christopher Sebela
 
When a neighboring family wins the Eden lottery, Gabe Oximenko hatches a plan to swap out his family with the winners. Everything is going according to plan until the Oximenkos are shocked out of cryosleep and learn the truth of their journey. Now, the family must once again fight for survival, but this time an entire transport ship is looking to make sure they never make it to Eden... or anywhere else!" 
The Maya
by Michael D. Coe
 
The Maya has long been established as the best, most readable introduction to the ancient Maya by experts Michael D. Coe and Stephen Houston. In this new edition, this classic has been updated by distilling the latest scholarship for the general reader and student.
 
What We Do In The Shadows (TV Series)
 
Three vampires have lived together for hundreds of years. After an unexpected visit from their dark lord and leader, they're reminded that they were initially tasked with completing domination of the New World upon their arrival in Staten Island; over a hundred years ago. But what exactly is the best way to go about achieving said domination?
 
Discover Life's Possibilities
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Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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www.sjlib.org