discover life's possibilities | December

Holidays At The Library
I know many of us are very busy in this season, so I’ll keep my thoughts brief. I feel immense gratitude for this community, and for all those many community members who work to bring light and hope into the lives of others. There were hard things about this year, but as we head to the close of 2025 and the opening of 2026, I cannot help but feel excitement, because I know we’re headed to another year in which we support and care for one another, and help each other thrive. I’m looking forward to seeing you in 2026!
 
If you’re looking for something fun to help fill your holiday season, please take a look at the events below, and go look at our events calendar. We’d love to see you at our Christmas concert or our ‘80s prom night for adults.
 
A heads up that you’ll see our end-of-year appeal in your mailbox by the end of the year. Please consider making a contribution, to help us continue this good library work in 2026.

And finally, mark your calendars for February 12th, 2026, which will be our open house presenting conceptual designs for the new building project. More details below!
 
-Anthony
 
Anthony Morris

-Assistant Director
-Confirmed Grinch
-Suspected Merrymaker
 
Currently Reading

Ew, It's Beautiful: A False Knees Comic Collection by Joshua Barkman

NEW BUILDING PROJECT
Coming February 12th, 2026:
 
Mark your calendars for the SJI Library's open house on February 12th, 2026, from 12pm to 7pm. Presentations at 12pm, 3pm, & 6pm will present conceptual designs of the new library building and solicit feedback from community members. The Library will utilize the materials created for fundraising and outreach. A projected timeline for the project, from start to finish, will also be presented.
 
Find more information about the Library Building Project at: https://www.sjlib.org/aboutus/library-building-project/
THE PENNY PINCHER
Featuring popular services paid for by your tax dollars that you can access from the Library at no cost!   
Do you struggle to use your computer? Northstar Digital Literacy provides online, self-guided assessments of digital skills in 14 areas, focusing on the foundational skills needed to use a computer and the internet in daily life, employment, and higher education. Classes include Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows, MAC OS, Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Accessing Telehealth Appointments, Your Digital Footprint, and Supporting K-12 Distance Learning.
MINI ART SHOW
The Mini Art Show is on display until January 4th! This year nearly 80 canvases were submitted, showcasing the amazing artistic abilities of many islanders.Thank you to everyone who participated! Many of the pieces are available to purchase, so come find a piece of mini art to decorate your walls! All proceeds go to the Friends of the Library. When the show is over you will be contacted, so that you can collect your artwork. 
UPCOMING EVENTS
After School Movie: Elf
Thursday, December 18th
3:00pm - 4:30pm
 
Kids can join us after school to watch "Elf" and enjoy popcorn and refreshments in celebration of the holiday season.
Prom Night: Take Me Back to '85
Friday, December 19th
8:00pm - 10:00pm
 
Dust off your vintage lace, pull out the pastels, and join us for a night of 80s nostalgia! Our library prom will feature an 80s playlist, photo area with retro props, and refreshments inspired by classic punch-bowl parties. Guests can even vote for Prom Royalty based on the best 80s-inspired look - think ruffles, sparkle, and charm. Whether you’re reliving your prom days or experiencing the magic for the first time, this evening promises lighthearted fun, laughter, and a perfect excuse to dance. Registration required, sign-up by clicking the image above. 
Holiday Celebration with
Sasha von Dassow
Sunday, December 21st, 2025
2:00pm-3:30pm
Sasha and friends, including Eleanor Bennett-White, Trinity Althoff,  Hanneke Klein-Robbenhaar, John Magee, and Hannah Inman, will be playing and singing songs of the season. Festive treats will also be served. Come for an hour of song and fellowship as we prepare to celebrate Christmas!
Noon Year's Eve
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
11:00am-12pm
Why stay up until midnight when you can ring in the new year... at Noon!? Noon Year's Eve is a party for toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. Greet 2026 with fun and good friends. Join us at Brickworks for crafts and sensory play, dancing, dress up, family picture opportunities, and of course, a countdown to the balloon drop at noon! Noon Year's Eve is offered in partnership with Island Rec and is free and open to the public. No registration required.
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!
 
Tongues, Volume 1 by Anders Nilsen
Tongues, Volume 1
by Anders Nilsen
 
Set in a version of modern Central Asia, Tongues is a retelling of the Greek myth of Prometheus. It follows the captive god's friendship with the eagle who carries out his daily sentence of torture and chronicles his pursuit of revenge on the god that has imprisoned him. Prometheus's story is entwined with that of an East African orphan on an errand of murder, and a young man with a teddy bear strapped to his back, wandering aimlessly into catastrophe.-- 
Ransom Notes
 
The game of hilariously terrible sentences! Players use word magnets to respond to outlandish prompts like “Ask the child sitting behind you on the airplane to stop kicking your seat” with just their limited pool of words.
The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood
The Accidental Favorite
by Fran Littlewood
 
A delectable and deeply moving family dramedy investigating the question so many of us have asked ourselves: do my parents have a favorite? Vivienne and Patrick Fisher have done an excellent job raising their three daughters, Alex, Nancy, and Eva. They're well-adjusted women with impressive careers, caring partners, exciting hobbies, and sweet children. So it's with great anticipation that three generations of Fishers gather at a beautiful glass house in the English countryside for a weeklong celebration of Vivienne's seventieth birthday. But when Patrick's reaction to a freak accident on the first day of the trip inadvertently reveals that he has a favorite daughter, no one is prepared for the shockwaves it sends through the family. 



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

https://www.sjlib.org

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