discover life's possibilities | May

Overdue-ing It
I have seen several questions about library services these past few weeks. A few questions have asked, “Isn’t the library supposed to be about books? Why do you also have board games; accessibility equipment; technology assistance; an art program; or other things that don’t fit the pattern of the traditional idea of a library focused only on books? Some might say we’re ... overdue-ing it. (I know, I know, terrible library pun)
 
This question speaks deeply to me because there is nothing I love more than curling up with a good book on a quiet evening, and I will always love the traditional mission of libraries as purveyors of books. However, I like to answer with a question in return: Although one person may not require those things from a library, consider the needs of your friends and neighbors. How about parents, kids and grandparents, and those many islanders on limited and middle incomes that may not be able to afford on their own all that the Library can provide? For a community to thrive, everyone needs access to a rich variety of literature, arts, education, information, news, ideas, and recreation, and we are poorer as a community without them.
 
Everyone has the means to access these things with a library card. The Library, with its professional staff, is a natural provider of these services, working collaboratively with other community organizations.  Together we work to enrich the lives of San Juan Islanders. You deserve access to these resources, and so do others in our community. We work hard to make that happen.
-Anthony
 Anthony Morris
 
-Assistant Library Director
-Middling Puzzler
-Attractive Nuisance
Currently Reading
 
We've received fantastic questions from our community! Here is a highlight from one of the most recent we've added to our online FAQ page:
 
What is the highest allowable levy, and what will the projected 41 cents raise in revenue?
 
The highest allowable levy rate for libraries is 50 cents per $1000, which would raise an estimated $3,060,000 in revenue. The library is asking for 41 cents per $1000. This amount is estimated to collect approximately $2,500,000 the first year it is levied. The library budget will not use the full amount. A significant portion of the amount collected will be put into reserves each year, until the library starts to pull from the reserves to counter inflation costs that exceed the subsequent annual 1% cap on revenue. This rate would fund the library for up to 10 years, accommodating an average 5% budget increase annually. This method of collecting reserves is part of the responsible fiscal policy that the library and many Jr. taxing districts have always used, and is part of the calculation each time the library asks for a levy lid lift, including the last time this was passed in 2011.  
 
Other questions about the levy lid lift? Come see more information on our Levy Lid Lift and FAQ pages. We will continue adding more FAQs as we continue to receive new questions and distribute information.
 
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
ADULT
Inside the Music with Sasha von Dassow
 
Sasha von Dassow brings his skill as a performer and musical ambassador to the library with a series of concert talks designed to explore classical and other music from around the world. Join us May 23rd at 4pm for the next performance!
TEENS
Broadway Book Group
 
Register now for June's Teen Broadway Book Group! This two session series led by Acting Coach Lindsey Saarie is for actors and musical lovers alike. Participants will read Steel Magnolias in the first meeting and then reunite two weeks later to watch the film adaptation. Open to youth in grades 6-12!
YOUTH
Rosanne Parry Author Meet and Greet
 
Stop by the San Juan Island Library on June 4th at 4pm to meet Rosanne Parry, New York Times best-selling author of the Voice of the Wilderness series and Whale of the Wild about a young orca’s survival navigating the delicate ecosystems of the Salish Sea.

SUMMER HIGHLIGHT

Summer Reading Program
 
Stop by the San Juan Island Library to pick up a Summer Reading Starter Kit or participate online with the Beanstack app, available through your app store or visit sjlib.beanstack.org. Registration begins June 13 and ends August 1. You may pick up your prizes until Labor Day.
 
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.
 
RESOURCES HIGHLIGHT
Seed Library
 
Announced in last month's newsletter, we are happy to report that with the conversion of an old library card catalog, the Seed Library has found a lovely new place to reside in the library! Come check out the beautiful stock of seeds, and bring home some of your favorites. Our gratitude to the San Juan Island Grange for bringing this to the Library.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE

Molina Healthcare Tabling
 
Drop in to the Library on Thursday, May 23rd 11am to 1pm to ask questions about Molina Healthcare. Get free assistance applying for Medicare and Medicaid!
  
A Forest Of Your Own
 
Join forest educator and author Kirk Hanson on June 1st at 6pm as he explores key insights from his book on managing forested land sustainably. Held at the Library and sponsored by the San Juan Island Library and the Griffin Bay Bookstore.
 
English Language Learning
Conversation Circles
 
Un grupo conversacional informal en apoyo del aprendizaje de Inglés. Sin cargo y abierto al publico, de 7:00 a 8:00 pm, presentado por la Biblioteca San Juan Island. Favor de entrar por la puerta lateral.
 
An informal conversational group in support of English language learning. Free and open to the public from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, presented by the San Juan Island Library. Please enter through the side door.
 
 
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS
 
Come check out our updated volunteer webpage and volunteer with us!
 
New volunteer positions are now open, with positions available in:
  • English Language Tutoring
  • Book Handling
  • Youth Services
  • And more!
Visit the library front desk or the volunteer webpage using the button below for an application.
 
 
STAFF PICKS
Check out our current faves!
 
The Ogress and the Orphans 
by Kelly Regan Barnhill 
 
In Stone-in-the-Glen, which has fallen on hard times, the Orphans of Orphan House, when a child goes missing and their Ogress is accused, must prove her innocence to the town and expose the real villain in their midst.
Animal Dreams
by Barbara Kingsolver  
 
Hallie Nodine fights for justice in Nicaragua while her sister, Codi, returns to Arizona to confront her dying father, as myths, dreams, and flashbacks blend to examine life's commitments 
Green Knight  
Directed by David Lowery

An epic medieval fantasy adventure based on the Arthurian legend, the film tells the story of Sir Gawain, King Arthur's headstrong nephew, who embarks on a quest to confront the eponymous knight, a gigantic tree-like creature. Based on the poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."
 
Discover Life's Possibilities
1010 Guard St
Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
(360) 378-2798
www.sjlib.org