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Samish Library

The Samish Indian Nation Library is a resource for Samish citizens who wish to learn more and perhaps conduct research about native culture, language, history, and other aspects of native life. While our collection here focuses on Northwest Coast (including First Nations), we also have books on Plains, Southwest and Woodlands tribes.

Samish Indian Nation Library has books that pertain to Northwest Coast native culture, history, art, spirituality, language, native plants and their uses, famous native artists, native crafts (including how-to books), and other aspects of native life.  We also have books on local history (Skagit County and surrounding areas).

Currently, our library has over 3,000 titles available for checkout. This includes including a children’s and young adult section and a wide selection of DVDs. Our collection is growing, and we are continuously adding new titles! Books and DVDs are checked out for a month at a time. Samish Citizens and residents of the greater Fidalgo area may check out books from the Samish Library. 

Our hands go up to Samish citizen Jan Flagg who has built our library collection from the ground up. Jan has an amazing talent for recognizing and purchasing books that compose our collection.

To set up a patron account and to check out materials from Samish Indian Nation Library, contact our Library Assistant.

We now have free e-books and audiobooks available! Click here to learn about the Libby app.

readers window
  • Spring 2024

    Feb 28, 2024, 14:48 PM

    Hello, everyone!

    With spring hopefully on its way, this edition of Reader’s Window is spotlighting another breath of fresh air, the late indigenous author, Richard Wagamese.

    I discovered Richard’s writings in a used bookstore. The cover of the book Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditation caught my eye. Beautifully illustrated with color photographs, the accompanying message on each page feels like a gift. It is a treasure that sits on the table where I have my morning coffee. I can pick it up, open any random page, and receive my inspiration for the day.

    Richard Wagamese was a truly gifted writer and storyteller, often drawing on his own life to illustrate and share insights gained from his experiences. While his life was one of early abandonment, substance abuse, and other struggles, there is a joy in his writing that resonates and continues to inspire.

    Author Wagamese was a prolific writer who authored fifteen books, one of which was published posthumously. At various times in his life, he was also a journalist and worked in broadcasting. His books have won numerous awards and honors.

    From the inside cover of Embers, Richard was “recognized as one of Canada’s foremost First Nations authors and storytellers.”  Embers was honored as a BC Book Prize winner and was nominated for a booksellers’ choice award just one week before Wagamese’s death in March 2017.

    February’s book club discussion focused on Wagamese’s book One Story, One Song. It was agreed by all book club attendees that they absolutely loved the book and felt like they really knew Mr. Wagamese by the end of it. Most attendees said they considered him a friend after finishing it. One Story, One Song is a collection of short stories or essays that the author draws from his own life, and while they are deeply personal, they resonate with the reader. From the inside cover: “The short stories in One Story, One Song remind us of human beings’ place in the world. We are a part of it, not masters of it. And by sharing our stories we share ourselves. By listening to others’ stories, we share their lives and perhaps gain connections. One Story, One Song is about connections, something we all need.”  —Globe and Mail

    That last line really resonates with me.

    To join our monthly book club discussions virtually, check out the calendar on the Samish website to see the books that have been selected from March 2024 going forward.

    Welcome, spring, bring on the daffodils!

     

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 29 – 29 Mar, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 30 – 30 Mar, 2024

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Bugle Beaded Earrings (online)


Learn to make a pair of bugle beaded earrings.

Dates: 02 – 02 Apr, 2024

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Samish Language Series - week 4


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 03 – 03 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 06 – 06 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 07 – 07 Apr, 2024

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Book Club: Firekeeper's Daughter (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “Firekeeper's Daughter” by Angeline Boulley.

Dates: 09 – 09 Apr, 2024

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Samish Language Series - week 5


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 10 – 10 Apr, 2024

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Samish Elders Chat & Learn - Brain Health


Enjoy a fun game of bingo while learning about brain health!

Dates: 11 – 11 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 12 – 12 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 13 – 13 Apr, 2024

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2-Day Cedar Weaving Class (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn to prepare cedar for weaving and complete a project during this 2-day class.

Dates: 13 – 13 Apr, 2024

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2-Day Cedar Weaving Class (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn to prepare cedar for weaving and complete a project during this 2-day class.

Dates: 14 – 14 Apr, 2024

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History Talk: Guemes Village (online + Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Join Tribal Chairman Tom Wooten to learn the history of Samish’s last village community.

Dates: 16 – 16 Apr, 2024

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Samish Language Series - week 6


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 17 – 17 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 19 – 19 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 20 – 20 Apr, 2024

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Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


Join us online or in-person to catch up while working on independent craft projects.

Dates: 20 – 20 Apr, 2024

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Samish Language Series - week 7


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 24 – 24 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 26 – 26 Apr, 2024

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Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Bingo Fun!


Samish Elders are invited to Bingo Fun!

Dates: 26 – 26 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 27 – 27 Apr, 2024

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Drum Making - midday (online)


Learn to make 12-inch drum.

Dates: 07 – 07 May, 2024

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Drum Making - evening (online)


Learn to make 12-inch drum.

Dates: 07 – 07 May, 2024

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Book Club: Red Paint (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk" by Sasha Lapointe.

Dates: 14 – 14 May, 2024

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Samish Elders Chat & Learn - Diabetes


Samish Elders are invited to learn about diabetes and wellness care.

Dates: 16 – 16 May, 2024

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Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


Join us online or in-person to catch up while working on independent craft projects.

Dates: 18 – 18 May, 2024

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Culture Talk: Blankets of Nobility (online + Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn about the role of Coast Salish women in fostering a social economy of generosity.

Dates: 04 – 04 Jun, 2024

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Book Club: Native Seattle (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place” by Coll Thrush.

Dates: 11 – 11 Jun, 2024

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Samish Elders Virtual Summer Gathering


If you cannot attend the Annual Elders Luncheon, Samish Elders are invited to our Samish Elders Virtual Summer Gathering.

Dates: 14 – 14 Jun, 2024

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Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


Join us online or in-person to catch up while working on independent craft projects.

Dates: 15 – 15 Jun, 2024

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Annual Elders Luncheon


Samish Elders and regional tribes of the Salish Sea are invited!

Dates: 28 – 28 Jun, 2024

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Book Club: 1491 (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus” by Charles C. Mann.

Dates: 15 – 15 Oct, 2024

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