It's July!
Here's what's happening at the
Lopez Library!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Where Possibilities Thrive-Now and Into the Future: August 5 Ballot to Include Library Levy Lid Lift Measure
 
Whether it's a child discovering the joy of reading, a neighbor learning new skills, or a community coming together to share ideas and stories, the library is here to support curiosity, creativity, and connection. For generations, Lopezians have built and sustained a library that reflects shared values; resourceful, welcoming, and deeply rooted in community. 
 
To continue fulfilling this mission, the library must also respond to real and growing challenges. Since 2019, the cost to operate it has increased significantly, driven largely by inflation. At the same time, federal and state support has become decidedly unstable, threatening services once supported through subsidies and consortium pricing—including our broadband Wi-Fi and access to eBooks/audiobooks through Libby. 
 
Additionally, in 2024, a comprehensive Facilities Condition Assessment was conducted. This top-to-bottom review identified over $2 million in critical building and infrastructure needs—from a leaking roof and outdated electrical and lighting systems to failing windows, damaged flooring, and a parking lot in need of repair. 
 
To address these challenges and maintain current levels of service, the Lopez Island Library District is asking voters to consider a levy lid lift on the August 5, 2025, ballot. If approved, it would restore the property tax levy rate to $0.48 per $1,000 of assessed value—the same rate voters approved in 2019.
 
This measure is essential to keep pace with rising costs and to continue offering the programs, books/DVDs, and services our community depends on. It will help ensure that the library remains strong, sustainable, and responsive. Without it, the library will face reduced hours, fewer materials, and deferred maintenance on our beloved historic building.
 
We're grateful for your long-standing support and want to make sure you have the information you need to make an informed decision. I will be holding weekly office hours in July on Wednesdays from 5-7pm and Thursdays from 10am to noon. Stop by, say hello, and ask me anything. If those times don't work for you, just swing in anytime. My door is always open. 
 
Learn more at https://lopezlibrary.org/levy-press-release/ and https://lopezlibrary.org/ 
 
See you at the library!
Darren Hoerner, Director
darren@lopezlibrary.org
360-468-2265


Meet the Summer Teen Interns
We’re thrilled to welcome a new crew of Teen Interns to the library this summer!  Whether it’s helping library patrons or organizing dynamic programs, the interns will gain hands-on experience and hone their unique talents by engaging with the community. It’s all part of our Teen Intern Program, designed to offer local youth a chance to grow, connect, and be inspired through public service.
 
Come by the library, say hello, and see them in action—you might catch a glimpse of Lopez’s future leaders learning the ropes and lighting up the stacks with curiosity and creativity!
 
Many thanks to Friends of the Lopez Island Library for funding this wonderful opportunity for island youth
 
AROUND THE LIBRARY & ON DISPLAY
Book Displays
Something for every age throughout the library!
 
BOOKOPOLY for KIDS: Pacific Northwest Setting
   
 
BOOKOPOLY for KIDS: WA & Local Authors
 
 
FROM PAGE TO SCREEN 
 
 
   
 
 
SUMMER FUN
    
 
    
 
ART and THE LIBRARY
 
For details on this month's event, please visit:
https://lopezlibrary.org/july-art-in-the-library/
Everyone is welcome!

Art in the Library
 
Julia Mira has made a new body of watercolor art exploring the Library as an imaginative space and asks questions like:
Does the Lopez Library have opinions? Friends? Body parts?
 
 Eirene Blomberg will display her gorgeous stone sculpture in the display case in a show about relationship;
relationship with Spirit, with self, with others, and with the natural world.
 
Coral Lehtinen will be hosting a One Day Pop Up Show entitled "My Nautical Obsessions" on July 5 from 4:30-7 pm.
Beach scenes and island life are always on her easel.
 
Artist in Residence Elena Zubulake has been workshopping land-based art and performance the past month, and will be offering a performance at 4:30pm.

BOOK CLUBS
Never Too Old:
Celebrating Youth Books
Wednesday, July 2nd @ 5pm
August 6: Young Adult titles you may have missed
Literary Salon
Wed, July 9th @ 5pm

Literary Salon is a no-rules book club where you bring whatever you're reading to a round of interested listeners. You are welcome to come and be a listener, too.
To sign up for any of our informative Book Club newsletters,  
CLICK HERE!
DID YOU KNOW?
Featuring a different section or material of the library each month.

NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS
Summer Starts for the Friends of the Lopez Island Library

The Friends are at the Farmers’ Market and would love to see you there. Check out the great merchandise including, new hats (already a hot item!), new gift bags, beautiful cards, and much more. All purchases support the Friends’ goal to provide the matching funds for a Washington State Grant to replace the roof and leaky windows in our “vintage” building!
 
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Summer Storytime

 
Roots & Wings: Board Books!
 
"Children need two things: roots and wings"
 
I keep seeing articles about the dangers of handing your toddler the phone to pacify them for a few minutes here or there. It is so easy to do. It does the trick in a car, in a store, but the research shows, there is a definite downside. If you have a toddler, you know what I mean!  I am not going to expound on this but hope you will research that subject for yourself.
 
ALTERNATIVES??
 
Board Books!! Do you know the library has 293 board books in English and 35 in Spanish? We have a very BIG selection! You will not have a difficult time finding some that you like.
 
If you can have a healthy selection of board books close by for your toddler as you read and re-read those books your child on your lap will begin to equate pleasure with a dopamine flood (a precursor to adrenaline and other compounds) just like a video on a phone! Then, when you are riding in the car, a board book or two may pacify just like a phone. 
 
Some of Miss Jane's fave's:
    
 


 

 
 
 
 

JULY PROGRAMS
Bookopoly Summer Challenge

Summer Fun in the Sun Room


Mindful Birding/Nature Walks

 
 
 

Weaving Wednesdays - July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Starting at 3:30pm
2nd: Macrame
9th: Rock Wrapping
16th: Branch Weaving
23rd: Mug Rug Weaving (Mini Block Weaving)
30th: Woven Amulet Bags
 
 
Qi Gong (Chee-Gong) - starting July 10th

 
Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese practice that combines movement with meditation and brings vital energy to the body while calming the mind. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather, and bring a blanket or yoga mat to sit on.
Walk along the North side of the library (on the left as you face the main entrance) to get to the Orchard.
 

Date Night at the Library: July 17
 

Burke Mobile at Lopez School: July 18

Songwriting Workshop with Adam Brock: July 19
Song calendaring is an approach that encourages you to create regularly, and maybe avoid some intimidating pitfalls of judgement. This practice uses the environment as an instrument in creation and attempts to capture a creative interpretation of the moment.

Tunes in the Stacks: July 22


Join us for a cozy summer evening of nostalgic folk and Americana with the talented Hank Webster & Elsa Renee, joined by local farmer-musician Derek Eisel. Let their harmonies warm your heart by the library fireside.
 

Jodi Sandford & Valter Gosti Lecture & Workshops: July 24-26

Gameshow Night!: July 26
Come for the chaos, stay for the cause.
 

Poet's Pen: July 28
 
 

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
This section highlights a few events which are managed and hosted by community members and other organizations.
 

 
 

Survey of Non-Commercial Home Food Production
 
Dear Lopez Neighbor,
 
Do you grow some of your own food, or would like to? During these economically challenging times, we are interested to see if more folks are growing their own food or moving in that direction. Transition Lopez Island, in collaboration with other organizations on the island, is asking you to take a few minutes and fill out the survey linked here:
 
English: https://s.surveyplanet.com/dz252f43
 
Spanish: https://s.surveyplanet.com/bpeicz49
 
Our goal is to establish cooperative networks of non-commercial island growers, sharing resources, knowledge, and providing mutual support. The opportunities are endless to benefit individuals and strengthen community resilience. Please join us by filling out the survey!
 
Sincerely,
 
Transition Lopez Island - Taproot - Lopez Locavores - Lopez Library – Lopez Family Resource Center - Lopez Community Land Trust

Acoustic Sing & Jam: July 17
 


 

Contact:
360-468-2265
Librarian@LopezLibrary.org
http://lopezlibrary.org/
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HAPPY SUMMER
Lopez Island Library
2225 Fisherman Bay Rd
Lopez Island, Washington 98261
360-468-2265
www.lopezlibrary.org