No better way to welcome in a bright new year than to celebrate one of our Island treasures, the San Juan Island Library.
With so many devoted patrons, our Library is not really a hidden treasure, though its sheer range and richness may not be all that well known. Here’s just some of the pride and joy waiting for you at 1010 Guard Street in Friday Harbor, and at the wonderful website at www.SJLib.org.
Under the leadership of Director Laurie Orton, the highly-trained, ever-cheerful and accommodating Library Staff of eleven, with the skilled aid of some seventy Adult Volunteers, all are ready to give you a Library experience you will value and repeat.
The SJIL’s own collection is truly, for this small Island, one of the wonders of the state and region, including best-sellers and prize-winners in every genre, DVDs, Audio Books, Large-Print editions, and general holdings of extraordinary depth and variety.
Periodical and Magazine collections, including the renowned Flipster program and an array of other resources, from Consumer Reports to scholarly journals, have something for every taste and need.
And beyond the SJIL’s shelves and digital expanse, its efficient and creative Inter-Library Loan operation conducted by Heidi Lewis gives every borrower the world.
As impressive as its collections, the Library’s own special pride is in its remarkable Programs, from Pronunciator language learning and English Classes to the Win-Win Resume program, Testing and Educational Reference services, Computer Classes, and Assistive Technology for every need of the impaired. Know Your Islanders talks, Open Mic for Writers, and a charming, horizon-opening Literary Salon join the Library to the unique cultural gifts of our Island neighbors and visitors. The Classic Film Series, the Indie Program’s access to 4,000 movies, and San Juan’s own Conscientious Projector will gratify every lover of cinema.
Most of all, perhaps, the Library is devoted to our future, and to its own, with superb resources and programs for Children and Teens, from a welcoming and joyous section for smaller readers to special assistance in homework and the educational needs of pre-college and college Islanders.
And don’t miss stopping at the Treasure Cove Store of New and Used Books sponsored by the Friends of San Juan Island Library, a dedicated band of local residents, businesses and non-profit organizations who support this unique asset with time and donations.
It’s all guided by a community board already well into its 2012-2017 Long-Run Strategic Plan for SJIL, which you should check out at www.SJLib.org.
In a place renowned for its natural wonders, it seems only fitting that we should have built ourselves a community library worthy of the rest of our gifts.
Best regards to all,
Chita Miller
