discover life's possibilities | April

Community Gardens
As I was working in my garden this weekend, I was thinking about how our communities are like gardens. We start many things- clubs, gatherings, hobbies- as something that once ignited, can burn forever on its own fuel. In reality, these things need the consistent tending, watering, and weeding that gardens require to thrive. Without active maintenance, even the most vibrant connections begin to wither under the weight of neglect, assumption, and the natural entropy of daily life. Community survives on the deliberate, often unglamorous, labor of preservation.
 
One reason I love libraries is that we offer tools for the maintenance of community: freely accessible information and education, a reservable meeting room, and programs that can initiate and foster community. But the tools alone do nothing; it is up to us to use them, and the work of maintenance is where we can prove the depth of our passion.  It is easy to feel passionate during moments of novelty or crisis, but sustaining that connection through the mundane, the difficult, and the ordinary demands a different kind of commitment. The maintenance itself becomes an expression of care, a tangible proof that what we hold dear is worth fighting for.
 
Working in this community means I meet many examples of engaged and concerned citizens working towards the commonweal, including the dedicated staff, volunteers, and community members who work together to make this library a fun and engaging pillar of the community. And we have extra reasons to celebrate this month- next week is both National Library Week and National Volunteer Week, bringing two powerful aspects of civic democracy together in one fun-filled week! Please join us on Friday, April 24th, at 10am-12pm in the Library's Main Salon to celebrate our amazing volunteers. I’m grateful to be living in an engaged community that passionately works for the public good, deep connections, and civic cooperation. 
 
-Anthony
 
Anthony Morris

-Assistant Director
-Filled with novel ideals
-Overdue-ing it. 
 
Currently Reading
The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons

LOCAL LOWDOWN
Come TOMORROW at 7pm to see lightning presentations from Land Bank Steward, Shauna Barrows, Salish Wildlife Rescue (formerly known as Wolf Hollow) Director, Chanda Stone, and IOSA Director, Elaina Thompson, followed by an engaging discussion about volunteering cross-pollination among local nonprofits. Come and learn more about these organizations and the work they do! 
THE PENNY PINCHER
Featuring popular services paid for by your tax dollars that you can access from the Library at no cost!  
Comics Plus: Full Library — Teen Library — Children’s Library
 
Comics Plus is a digital library of comics, graphic novels, and manga for all ages! With thousands of titles available, you can explore your favorite stories and build a personalized reading collection using the My Shelf feature. Available anytime, anywhere—at school, at home, or on the go. 24/7 access with unlimited checkouts and no waiting! Login above with your library card number and password for full access, or use the Teen and Children’s links to access age-curated content..
 
ONE BOOK, ONE COAST
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
One Book, One Coast is the largest book club on the West Coast, with over 140 participating library systems. By connecting readers across California, Oregon and Washington through one shared title, One Book, One Coast highlights the power of libraries and stories in bringing people together for conversation and reflection.
 
The 2026 One Book, One Coast selection is “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker. Published in 2019, “They Called Us Enemy” is a New York Times bestselling graphic memoir which recounts Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. It reflects on civil liberties, democracy, and what it means to be American — both historically and today.
 
You can read They Called Us Enemy on Libby with NO HOLD LIST! Unlimited access to this title will continue until June 6th.
UPCOMING EVENTS
After School Movie:
A Minecraft Movie
Thursday, April 16th
3:00pm - 5:00pm
 
Kids K-5th, come join us for a movie and popcorn! This month's film is A Minecraft Movie. 
Inside the Music with
Sasha Von Dassow
Sunday, April 26th
3:00pm - 4:00pm
 
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. Events will feature performances and in-depth commentary with a light-hearted touch that highlight local performers, important local events, and topics of interest in music. 
Get to Know Your Android Device!
Wednesday, April 29th
5:30pm-7:30pm
 
Get comfortable with your Android device!
Learn the basics of your Android operating system, including calls, texts, photos, cloud storage, passwords, apps, and more. Registration required, Android users only.
Ekphrastic Writing Workshop:
Engaging With Art in Your Writing 
Friday, May 1st
6:00pm-7:30pm
 
Love the visual arts? Love creative writing? This generative ekphrastic writing class will delight anyone who’s interested in discovering how engaging with the visual arts can ignite their stories, essays, and poems. The mode of “ekphrastic writing” is defined as descriptive writing influenced by the visual arts. We’ll learn methods of art-engagement and conventions of responding to art and we’ll pen our own ekphrastic work. Artwork will be provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own.  Register by clicking on the above image! 
Want More Library Programming?

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DONATE TO THE LIBRARY
The San Juan Island Library welcomes gifts to support the programs, collections, and services designed to meet the needs of San Juan Islanders, nonprofit partners, and visitors of all ages, that are not met by tax revenue. There are many ways to support your library!
STAFF PICKS
Check out our latest faves!
 
Whale Museum: free admission tickets
 
 
The Library has passes to many of the island's museums! This kit contains 2 admission passes which allows for two free adult entries to the Whale Museum. Passes checkout for 1 week. 
Stardew Valley: The Board Game
 
 
Help wanted! You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life! Stardew Valley: the board game is a cooperative experience for 1 to 4 players. Work together to fulfill your Grandpa's goals and restore the once-vibrant Community Center. If you succeed, the valley will flourish. If you fail, the Joja Corporation will move in, and the magic will fade...
Book Club Kits
 
Ready to start your own book club? Use a library Book Club Kit! The library has multiple copies of popular titles. Check beside the fireplace in the Main Salon for examples and a list of current book club kits. 


Discover Life's Possibilities
1010 Guard St, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
(360) 378-2798
https://www.sjlib.org

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