discover life's possibilities | October

Join The Conversation
I recently attended a presentation about civic engagement in libraries. The presenter, a librarian who had been a pastor before he changed careers, talked passionately about how in churches and in libraries he met many people hungry to engage with their community, but unsure how or where to start. Participating in local issues can sometimes be confusing or unclear. Of the many excellent points he made, one especially stuck with me: many communities have fewer communal places to meet than ever before; it is therefore vital that libraries provide spaces and opportunities for locals to gather and discuss concerns together.
 
On that note, there are two opportunities for community discussion available from the library this month, and I am excited about both!
 
First, the San Juan Island Library is hosting public meetings to gather input from the community about the Library’s new building project. We are hosting two sessions on October 22nd, the first from 12 pm to 2 pm and again from 6 pm to 8 pm. The Library Board of Trustees has been gathering information and input about how to proceed with a new library building. This meeting will present the current status of the project and collect feedback from the community about the needs and services they most desire from their library. Come prepared to learn about the new building project and ready to share your thoughts about what you want your library to be!
 
Second, we invite you to the new library program, The Local Lowdown, which brings opportunities to learn about local government and other community organizations and discuss concerns. The first meeting will be on October 27th, at 7 pm, and will feature Sheriff Eric Peter from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. There will be a presentation reviewing San Juan County crime statistics from 2024, and time provided for Sheriff Peter to answer questions. Come learn a little bit about the Sheriff’s Office, and look for future Local Lowdowns with other island organizations!
-Anthony
Anthony Morris

-Assistant Director
-Expert Chantpleure
-Intentionally Fliperous
 
Currently Reading

Drive your plow over the bones of the dead by Olga Tokarczuk

NEW BUILDING PROJECT
Coming October 22nd, 2025: The San Juan Island Library is hosting public meetings to gather input from the community about the Library’s new building project. The first meeting, scheduled for October 22nd at 12pm-2pm and again at 6pm-8pm, will present the current status of the new building project and collect feedback from the community about what needs and services they most desire from their library. Come prepared to learn about the new building project and ready to share your thoughts about what you want your library to be!
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! Log in above with your library card number and password for full access, or use the Teen and Children's links to access age-curated content. 
 
DID YOU KNOW?
The Costume Closet is back!
 
Drop by the Library Main Salon now through October 31st to find a free costume, the perfect piece to complete one you already have, or the inspiration to create the costume of your dreams. The inventory is refreshed regularly as we get more donations, so check it out every time you're in! Donations of gently used costumes are greatly appreciated, and can be brought to the front desk. Costumes for all ages and sizes are welcome.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Inside the Music
with Sasha von Dassow
Wednesday, October 22nd
11:00am - 12:00pm
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. 
Reading With Rover
Mondays at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
 Stop by the Library's Main Salon are of the Library to meet the Reading with Rover dogs. Say hello, read or show them a story, and get paw stickers! The Reading with Rover dogs are trained canines who serve as supportive listeners to help youth boost their literacy skills and reading confidence. Drop-ins are welcome! Offered at no cost to participants.
Local Lowdown
with Sheriff Peter
Monday, October 27th, 2025
7:00pm-8:00pm
Ever wonder what’s going on around town? Now you can stay informed and involved with the library’s new monthly presentation program, Local Lowdown! Local Lowdown aims to give community organizations and public agencies the opportunity to speak about their goals and initiatives in a forum for citizens to interact and engage. This month, come hear about the happenings at the Sheriff's office and ask any questions you may have!
Classic Monster Movies:
Dracula
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025
7:00pm - 9:00pm
It's time to get spooky! The final film is the monster to end all monsters, Dracula (1931)!
Transylvanian vampire Count Dracula bends a naive real estate agent to his will, then takes up residence at a London estate where he sleeps in his coffin by day and searches for potential victims by night. Starring: Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners
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!
 
The Salt Stones : Seasons of a Shepherd's Life by Helen Whybrow
The Salt Stones : Seasons of a Shepherd's Life 
by Helen Whybrow 
 
In the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Helen Whybrow and her partner set out to restore an old two-hundred-acre farm. Knowing that “belonging more than anything requires participation,” they begin to intertwine their lives with the land. But soon after releasing a flock of Icelandic sheep onto the worn-out fields, Whybrow realizes that the art of shepherding extends far beyond the flock and fences of Knoll Farm. In prose both vivid and lean, The Salt Stones offers an intimate and profoundly moving story of what it means to care for a flock and truly inhabit a piece of land.
Seed Of The Sacred Fig
Movie
 
Shot entirely in secret, Mohammad Rasoulof’s award-winning thriller, The Seed Of The Sacred Fig, centers on a family thrust into the public eye when Iman is appointed as an investigating judge in Tehran. As political unrest erupts in the streets, Iman realizes that his job is even more dangerous than expected, making him increasingly paranoid and distrustful, even of his own wife and daughters.
Coastal Harvest : Fish - Forage - Feast a Cookbook by Taku Kondo
Coastal Harvest : Fish - Forage - Feast
by Taku Kondo 
 
Embark on an epic adventure up and down the Pacific Coast to sustainably harvest your own food, master preparation techniques, and make creative dishes. Whether you want to find your own food or just cook creative recipes, this book will teach you how to catch fish, identify and harvest mushrooms, and make delicious dishes using wild ingredients. Join adventurer Taku Kondo as he takes you on an exploration of waterways and coastal forests to connect with nature and find ingredients sourced from the great outdoors. Enjoy some of the most popular dishes from Taku's YouTube channel, Outdoor Chef Life, as well as recipes that he's developed over years of experience. Each recipe has been thoughtfully curated to bring out the best flavors of your harvest.



Discover Life's Possibilities
1010 Guard St, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
(360) 378-2798

https://www.sjlib.org

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