Hello, again, everyone, welcome to our summer edition of Reader’s Window!

We are happy to report that even with COVID-related closures impacting business as usual, things have been very busy in the library.

Our library has been very fortunate to receive some support to purchase books and materials for patron use, once things open again.

Samish citizen Abigail Bergan (on behalf of her organization, Papaji’s Pages) has made another generous donation to Samish Library to purchase books furthering educational pursuits for Samish citizens of all ages. With Abigail’s generous gift, we were able to purchase some truly wonderful books and to make some very nice additions to our children’s book section.

The ARPA grant from the Washington State Library is a one-time grant that we applied for and received early in 2022.  In applying for this grant, several areas of focus were identified. As our current library technology for patron use consists of one laptop, grant funds were used to purchase two more laptops along with a printer for patrons to use. In addition to the laptops, external dvd drives and headphones were purchased for each one. 
 
In taking a survey of the library collection, since this is a one-time grant, we looked at acquiring some rare, historic, and out of print materials to add to our reference collection, and some copies that can be circulated. This has accomplished the goal of adding to our reference section books that can be used for research. It is very exciting to see the amazing materials that we have been able to acquire from local bookstores as well as from other sources.

A highlight of these recent additions to our library is a book that I think is truly special: A Totem Pole History; The Work of Lummi Carver Joe Hillaire by Pauline Hillaire, edited by Gregory P. Fields.  

Carver Joe Hillaire was a prolific Coast Salish artist. This volume contains photographs of seventy-six pieces of his work, including his most significant totem poles, many of which his daughter Pauline watched him carve.

From the inside flap: “Eight contributors provide essays on Coast Salish art and carving, adding to the author’s portrayal of Joe’s philosophy of art in Salish life, particularly in the context of twentieth-century inter-cultural relations.”

These essays are beautifully written, and explain the close connections between art and culture, history, and native spirituality. One essay by Michael Pavel (Chixapkaid) is entitled ‘Artists Were the First Historians’ and explains the strong connection between native art and spirituality.  

Published in 2013, I highly recommend this book for a terrific summer read!

The Samish Indian Nation Library is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 
9:00 am to 1:00 pm. I look forward to sharing these and other titles with you.