April Newsletter

☔APRIL EVENTS☔

Come to the library for fun programs and avoid the April showers!

Capture the Perfect Photograph April 9 at 3:00 All Ages welcome Bring your camera or cell phone for this hands-on workshop.

Lego Club Ages 5+ April 11, 3:00-4:00 Challenge builds, free building, & snacks provided.

Free Violin Lessons Ages 8+ 8 Week Session begins April 24, ends on June 19. Instruments are provided. Limited space available call the library to sign up.

Tech Help Mondays, 3:00-5:00 Schedule your one-on-one 30-minute slot for help with technical issues.

Storytime Fridays, 11:00-11:30 Bring your little ones to the library for stories and crafts. All ages welcome.

🧠 Linked In Learning🧠

The library now offers access to Linked In Learning. This site can be accessed from our patron computers or from our website and allows anyone with a library card free access to courses and other materials.

📖New Look for Teen Area📖

Need something to do on spring break? Come to check out our newly remodeled teen area, relax, and find the perfect spring break read!

🖌️Junior Art Wednesdays🎨

Looking for a fun event for spring break?

Don’t miss this Wednesday’s Workshop with local photographer Andy Porter. Wednesday, April 9 at 3:00. Bring your own camera or cell phone and learn how to take the perfect photo. Art created during the creative space can be submitted for inclusion in our 2nd annual Junior Art Walk coming on May 16.

(All Ages welcome for this workshop)

🍓Seed Swap🌻

Visit Our Seed Library!

Spring is almost here, and our little Seed Library, located in the library’s conference room, is newly stocked.  Come visit and explore our display anytime.   We will celebrate Earth Day, April 22, with a special seed swap!  Come to the library anytime between 10:00 to 3:00 to find new plants to try in your garden.

Just as libraries enrich a community by providing a way to share books, our hope is that our seed library enriches our community by allowing gardeners to share seeds. We accept non-expired, packaged store-bought seeds and well-labeled seeds harvested from your garden. Take some, leave some, and enjoy!!!

📚 Director’s Corner 📚

An executive order issued by the federal administration on March 14 calls for deep cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  IMLS is an independent federal agency that supports libraries and museums in all 50 states and U.S. Territories through grant funding, research and policy development.  It is the only federal agency that funds America’s libraries.

Although the majority of funding for La Conner SwinomishLibrary comes from property tax levies approved by voters, a generous grant from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Nation, and the support of our community, the loss of IMLS will impact our library.  The Washington State Library (WSL) published a document outlining the impact IMLS cuts would have on Washington libraries. WSL currently receives $3.9 million dollars in funding from the Grants to States program which, if cut, would have an impact on our library.  The biggest impact on our library would be reduced access to eBooks and eAudiobooks which would mean that the Libby App would have fewer titles and longer waits for popular titles.  The worst-case scenario would mean the loss of the Libby service altogether.  The library would also lose access to research databases and training and because the State Library supports upgrades to technology for small libraries like ours, we could see reduced internet speeds. Loss of funding not only affects our library; it also puts prison, hospital and tribal libraries in serious jeopardy and would severely impact the services of the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library.  Those wishing to voice concerns over the federal administration’s executive order against IMLS funding can find suggestions at the EveryLibrary Institute, a non-profit corporation that supports library funding across the United States.  La Conner Swinomish Library is thankful to be a part of such an amazing community, and we will continue to be here to be a welcoming and safe place for everyone. 

💐Foundation Corner 💐

LIBRARY GIVING DAY

With great thanks to all who donated and to the Robbins’ generous match, Library Giving Day was a resounding success! Your gifts in support of the La Conner Swinomish Library helped us meet our goal that sustains the library as a welcoming place for all! We invite you to donate anytime at www.laconnerlibraryfoundation.org or La Conner Library Foundation, PO Box 1025, La Conner, WA 98257. 

Thank you for your continued, meaningful support of the La Conner Swinomish Library!

With Gratitude,

Sarah Rabel,

La Conner Library Foundation

Swinomish Preschool Storytime With Richard Vendiola

I’ve been coming to the Susan Wilbur Early Education Center for three months, bringing books from the La Conner Swinomish Library to read to the children. I alternate between the two classes averaging four to five students per class. The children have grown used to me, and I enjoy seeing them.

We have the dictionary of lesson plans at our disposal, so I usually look for something appropriate for the time of year. For winter, we read from a book about snow by Uri Shulevitz, and we made paper plate snowmen that I had pre-cut the snowballs, arms, and hats for. The children were very quick to glue and decorate their snowmen!

I allow the children to take turns “reading” a book to the group, and although it is pretend reading, I get to witness their wonderful imaginations and focus. I am very grateful that the children like me, and I enjoy interacting with them and the teachers.

⏳Library Hours ⏳

LIBRARY HOURS

Monday, Wednesday, Friday : 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday/Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sundays: Closed

We look forward to seeing you! Happy reading!

October News & Events

Exciting News:
Extended Library Hours!

We are thrilled to announce our new extended library hours to better serve you!

Our updated schedule is as follows:

Mondays : 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesdays: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesdays: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursdays: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Fridays: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sundays: Closed

We look forward to seeing you! Happy reading!

🎃 October Events 🎃

Local Author Reading ~Shanna Lowe
October 3,  3:15-4:15
Shanna P. Lowe reads from her new release young adult fantasy book Lotte Skale and the Wyvern Hatchery.

Pumpkin Craft
October 11, 3:00-4:00
Decorate paper pumpkins for the library pumpkin patch.

Lego Club ages 5+
Second Friday of the Month
October 11, November 8, 3:00-4:00
Monthly challenge builds, free building time. Parent/caregiver supervision required. Legos provided.

D.I.Y. Halloween Costume Workshop
October 16, 5:00-6:00
Bring your supplies or get costume ideas with Maia Tekle! Maia will help you get started on your costume but also has design ideas and instructions if you don't know where to start.

Be Bird Wise Talk
October 17, 6:00-7:00
Author & Photographer Bryony Angell talks about our migratory birds.

Explain Garden Soil
October 23, 4:00–5:00
Soil Scientist Bruce Lindsay explains healthy soil.

Trick or Treat at the Library
October 31, 10:00-7:00
Stop by the library, anytime during open hours, in your costume for a treat.

Tech Help
Mondays, 3:00-5:00
Schedule your one-on-one 30-minute slot for help with technical issues.

Storytime
Fridays, 11:00-11:30
Bring your little ones to the library for stories and songs.

Skagit Libraries Partnership
More Books and Resources For Our Patrons!

Did you know that your La Conner Swinomish Library card gives you access to libraries and resources across the county? Your library card can be used at all libraries in Skagit County to check out books, DVDs, and other materials.

This also means that if we don’t have a book or resource you want in our library, we can have it delivered here from Burlington, Sedro Woolley, and Concrete libraries, and when you finish the book, you can simply return it here at the La Conner Swinomish Library.

You can still use your card at Mount Vernon and Anacortes, but they will not be part of the transit system until next year. Questions? Our staff is here to help!

Foundation Corner: Your Support Matters

The Library Foundation recently hosted two free programs – a Lushootseed storytelling workshop and “Aloha: Engaging the Breath of Life.” Both were opportunities to engage in meaningful connection at the library, and both were made possible by our generous donors.

On Saturday, November 9th 3:00, the Foundation is collaborating with Lushootseed Research to host a screening of “The Healing Heart of Lushootseed,” a documentary on how Vi Hilbert pursued her most ambitious project, to heal the heart of the world through music. Details will be available soon at the library and on our website and Facebook.

Then on November 23rd at Maple Hall is our annual Tiny Trees fundraiser. Join us for great festive fun, including sips, savories, and our silent and live auction. For more information and tickets, please visit our event site.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the La Conner Swinomish Library! Your donation allows the library to fulfill its mission of being a place of discovery, connection, and inspiration.