Samish Libraries

Samish Indian Nation has three libraries!

Summit Park (Physical) Library

We have a physical library located at the Summit Park campus with over 4,600 titles! It is a resource for Samish citizens and the local Fidalgo community who wish to learn more 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. We have books on native plants and their uses, famous native artists, native crafts (including how-to books), and local history. We even have large children's and young adult sections and a wide selection of DVDs!

Libby (Digital) Library

In 2023, we started a digital library through the Libby app! We have a rapidly growing selection of e-books and audiobooks, and you can find our book club selections through Libby.

Sní7new7 (Living) Library

Debuted in 2024, we call our third library Sní7new7. It's a living library only accessible to Samish citizens, a place to ask questions to elders about Samish culture and traditional lifeways. Answers will be documented for the next seven generations.

Our hands go up to Samish citizen Jan Flagg who started the physical library and nurtured it for 20 years. Jan had an amazing talent for recognizing and purchasing books that enhance our collection.

Sní7new7 Library

Libby Digital Library

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

Samish Book Club

Did you know we have a book club at Samish? We meet virtually once a month to discuss books available in our library! Previous books include Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, One Story, One Song by Richard Wagamese, Two Old Women by Velma Wallis, and The Language Warrior's Manifesto by Anton Teuer.

Our upcoming books are Jestinel: Living Wisdom from Coast Salish Elders by Children of the Setting Sun Productions on November 12 and Haboo: Native American Stories from Puget Sound by Vi taqʷšəblu Hilbert on December 10. To join us, please email RSVP@samishtribe.nsn.us for the link!

Chelángen Library Blog

Book recommendations from Reader's Window

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Summer 2024

Oct 30, 2024, 08:02 by Julie Hanson, Samish Library Assistant

Hello, my name is Julie Hanson, and I am the new library assistant for the Samish Library at Summit Park. I came on board one month ago. I have been busy orienting myself to the library and library software. There are a number of books to check out as well as many additions to the collection. The library is open to patrons. The hours are currently 8:30 am-3:00 pm through July as follows:

• June 6th and 7th Thursday-Friday

• June 14th and 15th Friday-Saturday

• June 20th and 21st Thursday-Friday

• June 28th and 29th Friday-Saturday

• July 12th and 13th Friday-Saturday

• July 18th and 19th Thursday-Friday

• July 26th and 27th Friday-Saturday

I am a retired nurse. I spent 22 years in the military, spending most of my career working in the Emergency Room. After the military, I spent some time as a clinic nurse, a camp nurse, and a school nurse for the Oak Harbor Public Schools. I’ve lived in Oak Harbor for almost 9 years this time around—the last time was 1968-1970.

In my free time, I love to read and listen to books. I’m a voracious knitter and belong to a knitting group that meets twice a week. I also volunteer once or twice a week at the Oak Harbor Habitat for Humanity store keeping their ‘library’ section stocked and in order.

My to-read list generally consists of alternative history, apocalyptic fiction, murder mysteries, and fantasy. I really should say that the only thing I don’t really like to read is romance. Since my hiring, a few books have been recommended to me. I read Motorcycles and Sweetgrass by Drew Hadyn Taylor. Loved it! It is available for check-out on the Libby app. I am currently listening to Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice. It is tense and disturbing, as apocalyptic fiction can be. Enjoying it so far!

I am looking forward to meeting you and hope you visit soon!

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