When I came to San Juan Island, the Library was a small collection of books housed in one room in the Town Hall. It was owned and had been supported by the Legion Auxiliary for many years. During the following years, a community board was created to administer the Library, The laws of the state were changed to allow the creation of Library Districts by an individual Island. The San Juan Island Library District was approved and funded by the voters. An abandoned restaurant building was purchased and the collection was moved there to be placed on shelves donated by the King County Library System.

The community has always strongly supported our library by twice voting to approve funds for the remodel and improvement to the building and by giving thousands of volunteer hours.

The Library no longer only houses a book collection, it also serves all ages of patrons, provides access to technology, and a space for community meetings. However, the demands of our growing community are now greater than the current facility can possibly meet. It is time to step up once again and say yes to continuing, expanding, and improving the outstanding library service that we have been privileged to enjoy for so many years.

Jackie Scherer,

San Juan Island