discover life's possibilities | March

Living The Ferry Life
As you may have seen in our latest print newsletter, we started a new digital collection called Ferry Tales, which collects stories and art surrounding our experiences riding the ferry. This idea has been done a few times before (for example, the 1986 Ferry Tales from Puget Sound and the 1990 Ferry Tales of the San Juans: from bad to verse are both delightful– check one out today!), and we are proud to continue a tradition of island storytelling that goes back several decades.
 
I have taken particular delight in this project because when I tell people what we are doing, I often get to hear their ferry stories right then and there. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes downright alarming (it sounds like the ‘70s had very different rules!). I have treasured hearing everyone’s most memorable moments on this unique mode of public transport.
 
I’ve been working on writing up my own ferry story (spoiler alert: it may involve a moving van that is leaking honey bees), and when it is ready, I will submit it to the collection. I want you to submit your story too! Submit a short essay, poem, recording, picture, painting, or any other creative submission that narrates your experiences with the ferries. You can submit your story here.
 
We already have a few stories, photos, and pieces of art submitted, and you can explore the digital collection here. If it is your first time logging in, you will need to create a Biblioboard account using your library card number and password.
 
 And most exciting of all, this collection is only the beginning! The library is working to collect and celebrate local art, literature, culture, and history, and we’ll be announcing additional digital local collections throughout the year. We will feature those collections on our Creators’ Circle webpage. Stay tuned to see what fantastic local collections become available!
-Anthony
Anthony Morris

-Assistant Director
-Likely Troublemaker
-Unlikely Troublemender
 
Currently Reading


FEATURED SERVICE

MEET THE TRUSTEES

A total of 5 individuals who serve rotating, volunteer, five-year terms comprise the library’s Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees focuses on setting library policy & budget and meets with the library director on a monthly basis in an open, public meeting at 3 pm on the second Tuesday of each month in the library’s meeting room. This continuing feature introduces our current Trustees.
John Aschoff - Board Member
John was born and raised outside Chicago, but after college escaped to the coasts, first to New York’s Hudson Valley and then for most his adult life to the Monterey Bay area. He spent his career as a software developer and manager for the IBM Corporation, a great place to develop useful skills and learn from others. His formal education includes a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics (U. of Illinois) and a Master’s degree in Management and Information Technology (Cal State Monterey Bay). Since moving to the islands he has enjoyed modestly contributing to local marine conservation efforts, working on the board for The Whale Museum (and volunteering on their Soundwatch boat) and as a member of the county’s Marine Resource Committee. He also works with a geologist mapping the Salish Sea and its marine habitats. He likes to write (essays and a couple of plays) and occasionally resurrects a few jazz standards on his vibraphone. Just about five decades (a lifetime) ago he married Marcy, a woman adept at travel planning, and has followed her to far reaches of the earth to observe and photograph some awe-inspiring wildlife. The couple can often be seen at American Camp walking Loki (a “Shepsky”). John appreciates the library since there is no room on his bookshelves for more books. Favorite works that have been worthy of a re-read — Angle of Repose, Cider House Rules, A Prayer for Owen Meany, and An Immense World — or a re-watch of The Dancer Upstairs.
THE PENNY PINCHER
Featuring popular services paid for by your tax dollars that you can access for FREE from the Library!   
Ancestry Library Edition powered by Ancestry.com, delivers billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more. Available for in-library use only. Ancestry Library Edition brings the world’s most popular consumer online genealogy resource to your library. It’s an unprecedented online collection of individuals from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Local Author Talk: Thor Hanson
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
7:00pm - 8:30pm
 
Though rarely featured in nature documentaries or wildlife magazines, the average backyard or neighborhood park can yield new discoveries. In CLOSE TO HOME: The Wonders of Nature Just Outside Your Door, award-winning author and conservation biologist Thor Hanson helps us retrain our eyes to uncover the hidden wonders of nature all around us.
Friday Harbor Film Festival Screening
Porcelain War
Friday, March 28, 2025
7:00pm - 9:00pm
 
Amidst the chaos of war, three Ukrainian artists find inspiration and beauty as they defend their culture and country. A stunning tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, embodying the passion and fight that artists put into the world crumbling around them. Extraordinary footage filmed by everyday civilians tells an unforgettable story about Ukraine and all of us.  This event is FREE and open to the public. No tickets or reservations needed.
Already Laughed in German Today?
Heute schon in Deutsch gelacht?
Monday, March 31, 2025
6:00pm - 7:00pm
 
Join us for an evening of lighthearted German practice around the Stammtisch! Led by Manuela Brosi. Registration required, sign up by clicking on the above image.
Building Bridges
A Community Spanish Class
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
6:00pm - 7:30pm
 
Building Bridges is a beginner Spanish language class that focuses on introductory, functional language skills so that you can connect more effectively with your neighbors, loved ones, and colleagues. In this class you will learn core vocabulary, basic grammar, how to introduce yourself, as well as ask and answer common questions. Presented by Theora Moench. Registration required, sign up by clicking on the above image. The first of six classes.
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!
 
This month, we would like to express our gratitude to those who bring your King's receipts to the library, like Joyce Johnson, a volunteer who collects, sorts, and compiles those receipts so the library can receive funding through that program. Thanks to you all!
STAFF PICKS
Check out our latest faves!
 
The River
by Peter Heller 
 
On a wilderness canoe trip in Northern Canada, best friends Jack and Wynn find their survival skills and longtime friendship tested by a wildfire, white-water hazards, and two mysterious strangers 
Someone You Can Build a Nest In
by John Wiswell 
 
Nursed back to health by Homily, a warm-hearted human, shapeshifting monster Shesheshen falls in love with her only to discover she's a monster hunter, and since devouring her girlfriend isn't an option, she must learn to build a life with, rather than in, her soulmate. 
 
The Heart of Winter
 by Jonathan Evison 
 
Abe Winter and Ruth Warneke's seventy-year marriage, born from a disastrous college blind date, faces a new crisis as Ruth's health deteriorates, prompting Abe to care for her while their family questions his abilities, forcing the couple to navigate love, loss, and enduring partnership in their golden years. 


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

https://www.sjlib.org

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