The San Juan Island Library will hold a series of public open houses to present the findings of a recent architectural review of the state of its facilities, and possible future options for the Library building.  Staff from SHKS Architects conducted the review, and will be in attendance to present their findings, in addition to members of the Library's board of trustees and staff.  Each open house will feature a short presentation on the current status of the building, and the challenges and opportunities that the structure will encounter in the face of a growing island community and a world of rapidly changing library services.   After the presentation, the public will be able to visit information stations around the room where more detailed information will be available, including urgent problems that will most likely need to be addressed in the near term, and some of the services that could be provided if space were available.  The public is invited to attend, and, especially, to give input on future directions.
 
There will be three open houses, all at the San Juan Island Grange Hall:
 
             Sunday, May 20^th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
            Sunday, May 20^th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM
            Monday, May 21^st from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
 
The Library moved into its current location – a former restaurant - in 1983.  Over the years, there have been several renovations and expansions undertaken to meet the community’s needs at the time they were completed.  The most recent was 14 years ago.  Since then, the island population has grown and so has Library usage, including the number of visitors, checkouts of materials, community classes and programs, and public attendance at events and meetings, pushing the limits of services and an aging structure.
 
There are a number of current problems with the building and the property.  These include: a parking lot inadequate to serve all visitors, so small that it has been the site of numerous small vehicle accidents; a shortage of quiet spaces for reading, and of out-of-the-way spaces for groups to work together without disturbing others; a severely cramped staff work space, filled with distractions; very limited program and meeting space, often requiring attendees to stand throughout events; space too small to accommodate the expansion of any of the current collections, despite the community's growing demands.
 
These are only a few of the issues the Library is experiencing that impinge on delivery of the services the community needs and expects with no improvement in sight.  These issues also restrict the Library from being able to offer newer services that are now the norm in many libraries across the country.
 
At the open houses, the Library board and staff is requesting that members of the San Juan Island community consider, and comment on, the possible future direction for the Library's facilities and services, which could include expansion of the current building, moving to a new facility, or staying within the present building.  All of these possibilities come with a cost.
 
Please join us and help us guide the future of your Library.
 

HARRY AND SNOWMAN…. (Cinderella horse)  -  FRIDAY HARBOR FILM FESTIVAL tonight at the Grange 7pm  May 15**nd Q+R with ISLAND HAVEN ANIMAL SACTUARY - Julie Duke about animal rescue

 

Island Haven’s Julie Duke will answer questions like “What happened to the Zebra?”  and “What is Island Haven?” Julie will tell us about her mission to save unwanted animals….at her new to our island Animal Sanctuary…And see the film about a horse rescued to go on to be a world champion!

 

Coho Restaurant now open Tuesday starting today, May 15th

Wednesday – Italian Night – 3 courses - $30

Thursday - Flights & Bites featuring Sparkling Wine

May 18 – Long Shadow’s Winemaker’s Dinner – only 2 seats left!

For reservations or more information, please contact us at 360.378.6330. Open Tuesday – Saturday.

Enjoy carbs for a cause at the Pasta Palooza dinner event, from 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 18, at Brickworks in Friday Harbor. The evening is a special carb-loading event to celebrate Orca Running’s first San Juan Island Half Marathon, which takes place the next day. Welcome and cheer on the participants. All are invited to the dinner which is catered by Market Chef with dessert provided by Café Demeter and beer contributed by San Juan Island Brewing Company.

The evening is $25 per adult or $15 per child 12 and under. The price includes dinner and dessert, while beverages are sold separately. Tickets can be purchased at The Whale Museum or at www.whalemuseum.org. Proceeds raised directly support the education and research programs of The Whale Museum. Stop by the museum in person or call 360-378-4710 ext. 30 for more information

PUBLISHING WORKSHOP

Saturday, May 19th, 1-4 pm

San Juan Island Library Meeting Room

 

Staring at that thick manuscript on your writing desk, wondering what’s the next step?  Here’s an opportunity for you.  The San Juan Island Library will be hosting a “Publishing Workshop” on Saturday, May 19th, from 1-4 pm, in the Community Meeting Room.  A panel of experts, moderated by Alice Acheson, book marketing/publishing consultant, will discuss the ins and outs of publishing.  Mary Kalbert, a self-published author of both fiction and nonfiction, will relate her experiences of getting into print.  Author and developmental editor Janet Thomas will discuss the vital importance of editing in the publishing process.  Then Griffin Bay Bookstore owner Laura Norris and events coordinator Nancy Larsen will explain the best ways to market your published book through a bookstore.  This workshop will offer an overview of "The Business of Writing" as well as insights into key elements of the publishing process (self-published or via a mainstream publisher).

The 9^th Annual EDC Economic Forecast Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23^rd, at Brickworks, 150 Nichols Street in Friday Harbor.  Tickets are $29 and space is limited. For more information and to order tickets please visit www.sanjuansedc.org/luncheon.  This event is sponsored by Islanders Bank and San Juan Propane. It will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23^rd, at Brickworks, 150 Nichols Street in Friday Harbor.  Tickets are $29 and space is limited. For more information and to order tickets please visit www.sanjuansedc.org/luncheon.  This event is sponsored by Islanders Bank and San Juan Propane.