Library Building Project

As the heart of our community, the San Juan Island Library has served as a center of knowledge and connection for generations. However, with the growing population, demands, and aspirations of our beloved island, the time has come to envision a bigger, brighter future for our library.

Library Open House, February 12th

A huge THANK YOU to all those who attended the Open House about the New Library Building Project on February 12^th at the Brickworks. With more than 200 people in attendance, it was an event of lively conversation and thoughtful discussion. Participants could see poster-sized conceptual ideas of what the new library could look like and provide their feedback.

The Library is asking for additional feedback from community members. The presentation materials are now available on the Library’s website (www.sjlib.org/aboutus/library-building-project/), and posters of design ideas are available to view in the Library’s Meeting Room. A feedback form is available on the Library’s website, and in printed form at the Library.

As feedback is collected over these next few months, the Library is working on next steps, which include:

• The Steering Committee will continue to gather feedback to improve the design ideas and ensure the library planning reflects the community’s needs and values.
• The Library will hire a Development Director to collaborate with the San Juan Island Community Foundation in developing a comprehensive fundraising plan for the construction of a library that best serves the current and future needs of the community. Fiscal responsibility and sustainability are priorities of our library development.
• The design teams will continue to explore the two design ideas shared. These designs will be priced by a contractor familiar with local building in order to acquire reliable estimates that can be used to inform the size and budget of the library project.
• The Library will continue to share its progress as available.

Stay tuned for more information as this project develops!

Open House Summary

You can also view this trifold handout as a PDF by clicking this link, or you can come get a printed version at the library.

Library Open House Presentation

You can also view these presentation slides as a pdf by clicking this link. After reviewing this information, let us know what you think! Click on the green feedback form on the left of the page, or come get a feedback postcard at the library to write down your thoughts!

Report on November 18th Meetings:

The San Juan Island Library thanks all who came to the November 18th community meetings at the Brickworks. Between the two sessions, approximately 100 people were in attendance. Both sessions featured rich and engaging discussions on library planning. After a short review of the building project, the Library’s architectural consultants divided attendees into small groups and led a design workshop. Participants were able to discuss design ideas related to the Spring Street property and the programs and services they would like in the new library. After this breakout session, all participants reconvened, and the groups presented their ideas to one another. Ideas from these presentations were further discussed and integrated into group designs.

The Library is grateful for all ideas, questions, and creative problem-solving, and will use the received feedback to inform its decisions.

Report on October 22nd Meetings:

The San Juan Island Library thanks all who came to the October 22nd community meetings at the 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.

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