Submitted by the San Juan Island Library.

The San Juan Island Library thanks all who came to the Oct. 22 community meetings at Brickworks. Between the two sessions, approximately 150 people were in attendance, and both sessions featured rich and engaging discussions on library planning. The library shared updates on the new building planning process. Library Trustee Boyd Pratt spoke about the history of the new building project and the current tasks and concerns of the Library Board of Trustees. Library Assistant Director Anthony Morris reviewed the library’s current services and gave examples of how the current building cannot meet community needs. After those short speaking sessions, the majority of the time was spent listening to feedback from the community about what they would like to see in a new library. The positive creative energy of both sessions was remarkable, and many priorities were discussed, including popular ideas such as the community’s need for more meeting rooms, both large and small, and ensuring there are sufficient spaces for youth and teens in the library. The library is grateful for all the thoughts, feedback and constructive criticism discussed and will be using the received feedback to inform its decisions.

Questions were collected throughout both sessions, and the meetings closed with a brief Q&A. Those looking for more information can review the up-to-date information on the library’s website, including answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. Go to https://www.sjlib.org/aboutus/library-building-project/ for more information.

The conversation does not stop here! The next community meetings will be on Nov. 18 from noon to 2 p.m. and again from 6-8 p.m. The Steering Committee and architectural consultants will facilitate two active and engaging design workshops. They will show how community values, goals and priorities discussed in the Oct. 22 meetings can become physical ideas. The results of this workshop will provide the design team with a basis for conceptualizing the building’s design.

Library staff can answer any questions you have at 360-378-2798 or sjlib@sjlib.org. Library programs and cards are free of charge to San Juan Island residents. In addition to its collections of books, videos, equipment, games, audiobooks and other materials to loan, the library also provides public access computers, Wi-Fi and a suite of databases that patrons can access in the library or at home. Library hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 3 p.m.