discover life's possibilities | June

Shelf Help
Can I share one of my favorite things to listen to? Levar Burton Reads is a podcast in which Levar Burton (of Reading Rainbow and Star Trek: The Next Generation fame) reads a favorite short story and then speaks for a few minutes about what he loves about it. It’s something like Reading Rainbow for adults. You can hear Levar’s excitement, delight, and wonder as he reads, and it’s easy to share that sense of wonder with him. He reads a wide variety of stories, so no matter your preferences, you’ll hear something delightful if you listen in. If you wanted to give a few episodes a try, I would especially recommend "The Truth About Owls" by Amal El-Mohtar and "Navigators" by Mike Meginnis.
 
Levar Burton Reads finished its 13th and final season last month. I find this bittersweet; as a child I watched Reading Rainbow, and the podcast has been a delightful return to the simple love of good stories. I’m sad that it’s over! However, with 13 seasons, there are now more than 200 episodes available, and my wife, daughter, and I decided we should return to the very first season, to re-explore those stories anew. For me, Levar is doing important soul-work: he searched for the stories that made him laugh, moved him to tears, or touched his heart, and then he invited us to share those moments of humanity together. What could be more generous than that? When I’m feeling discouraged or stuck in a rut, Levar’s stories are something I return to, to remind myself to explore, and to remember how amazing we can be.
 
If you’re looking to do a little exploring of your own, June 13th is the start of our Summer Reading Program, and we have something to offer everyone! Read below to find out about what we’ve prepared for kids, teens and adults. Fun, wonder and delight are available for you, right from the Library. Come check it out!
-Anthony
 Anthony Morris
 
-Assistant Library Director
-Cackling boonfellow
-Agathokakological baker
Currently Reading
 
Stop by the San Juan Island Library TODAY to pick up a Summer Reading Starter Kit or participate online with the Beanstack app, available through your app store or by visiting sjlib.beanstack.org. Registration begins TODAY!
 
Also happening this summer are special events for a variety of ages, and our Wednesday Afternoon Performance series featuring professional family-fun entertainment. All summer events and programs are FREE thanks to funding from the Friends of the San Juan Island Library.
 
SUMMER READING BY AGE
ADULT
Adult Summer Reading is open to everyone aged 18+. Starting June 13th and lasting through Labor Day, track your reading to enter into a raffle to win prizes like a Kayaking/Whale Watching trip for two, a 60-minute massage, gift cards for groceries and gas, and a Reader’s Paradise gift bundle.
TEENS
 Teen Summer Reading Program is open to youth entering 6th-12th grade in the 2024-2025 school year. Track your progress online using the Beanstack link below, or print out this reading log to get started. Copies are also available for pick up at the library.
YOUTH
Win prizes, books, and entries into our Grand Prize Raffle Drawing! There are multiple ways to participate. Click on the image above to learn more. Try all of them or select the option that suits you and/or your child best!
SUMMER READING ONLINE
BEANSTACK
 
Beanstack is the Library app where you can track your Summer Reading progress online! Whether you're a kid, teen, or adult, you can participate through Beanstack! Those preferring a print version can come get a copy at the Library.
 
INFORMATIONAL HIGHLIGHT
LEVY LID LIFT
 
Questions about the August 6th proposition for the Library operational levy adjustment? The best answers and most up-to-date information are available on our website. Come get all your questions answered! Don't forget to vote on August 6th!
 
UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE

Film Screening Friday, June 14th
 
Join us for a heart-warming documentary about the more than 32,000 mothers who fully accept their LGBTQ+ children and call one another “mama bears” because of the ferocity with which they fight for their children’s rights. Will be shown at 7 pm on Friday, June 14 at the San Juan Island Library. Brought to you in partnership with the Friday Harbor Film Festival.
  
 
Wednesday Afternoon Performances
 
Starting in July, come see our Wednesday Afternoon Performances for our Summer Reading Program! First up is Eric Haines, back by popular demand, and a man of many talents. Watch and listen as he plays multiple instruments at once!
 
Clases de Inglés 
 
Clases para el aprendizaje de Inglés, presentado por un maestro certificado de Inglés contratado por la Biblioteca San Juan Island. Sin cargo y abierto al publico, de 7:00 a 8:00 pm. Favor de entrar por la puerta lateral.
 
English Language Learning class presented by a certified English as a second language teacher contracted by the San Juan Island Library. Free and open to the public, 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Please enter through the side entrance for access to the Community Meeting Room. 
 
 
Get Assistive Technology!
 
Join us as the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program's representative Alan Knue presents information about and demonstrates assistive technology for those with aging or mobility concerns that is available for checkout right here at the San Juan Island Library.
 
 
STAFF PICKS
Check out our current faves!
 
The water outlaws 
by S. L. Huang 
 
Recruited by the Bandits of Liangshan, expert arms instructor Lin Chong, disgraced, tattooed as a criminal and on the run from an Imperial Marshall who wants her dead, joins these mountain outlaws who live on the fringe of society—and who are ready to make history or tear it apart. 30,000 first printing. 
The Reformatory
by Tananarive Due 
 
In the Jim Crow South, 12-year-old Robbie Stephens, Jr., who can see ghosts, is sent to The Reformatory where boys forced to work to remediate their so-called crimes have gone missing, while his sister Gloria rallies everyone in Florida to get him out before it's too late. 
 
The World of Edena
By Moebius 
 
Stel and Atan are interstellar repairmen searching for a lost space station and its crew. Their journey takes them to the mythical paradise planet Edena where they unwittingly and unwillingly join a multidimensional battle between good and evil.
 
Discover Life's Possibilities
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Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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