April: A Month for Libraries and Volunteers

Unlimited possibilities at your library: Celebrate National Library Week and National Volunteer Week in April

San Juan Island Library announced its participation in joint celebrations of National Library Week and National Volunteer Week.

The San Juan Island Library is more than a warehouse for books. Instead, our library and library staff are change agents within our island community – transforming lives through innovative educational resources and forward-thinking programming. The Library is the 2015 winner of the EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award, given each year to only one library among the more than 9,000 public libraries in the U.S.

“Coming on the heels of this fantastic recognition for the hard work of the staff, we are very pleased to sponsor rock star National Public Radio librarian Nancy Pearl this month.” says library director Laurie Orton. “Nancy is the inspiration for the world’s first Librarian action figure. She will be speaking at the Library. Join us April 22 at 6:30pm to hear this dynamic speaker. We are able to bring a program of this caliber through the support of our Friends of the Library. Friends of the Library typically honors Library volunteers in April with a party, and this year we are opening the party to all and featuring a very exciting speaker.” Join us in taking time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.

Libraries across the United States are doing their part to close the digital divide and level the playing field by providing open access to information and technology. The San Juan Island Library has as its priority to provide services to all regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic status.

“We work to connect with business owners, students, parents, elected officials and the public at large to keep current on the needs of our diverse community. Whether through offering e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job seekers or offering a safe haven in times of crisis, we listen to the community we serve, and do our best to respond,” Orton added.

For example, the San Juan Island Library recently upgraded and expanded its library software system in order to best meet the evolving needs of the community. The new library software gives users more control of accounts, provides smarter searching, and should also provide efficiencies in staff workflows. Visit the Library website www.sjlib.org for the latest events, programs, and online databases instantly accessible with your library card. Need a card? Stop by and talk with a librarian today!

“The library has always been a place of unlimited possibilities,” said Laurie Orton, Library Director. “Whatever your interest or need, the library and our staff are here to provide you the resources you need to help work towards your goals and dreams.”

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

For more information, visit the San Juan Island Library at 1010 Guard Street or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram. Our website is available 24/7 and offers streaming movies, downloadable eBooks and audiobooks, and a wide range of online databases and access to all of our collections. Questions? Call us at 378-2798.Library cards are free of charge to islanders with proof of residency. In addition to its collections of materials to loan, the library also provides public access computers and WiFi. Library hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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