Happy Holidays from Samish Library! By the time you read this, Thanksgiving will have come and gone. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Samish Library has much to be thankful for. Several donations this past year have helped our collection to grow.

The second of two significant donations of books occurred this past summer. Robert Demerest, a representative from the Orcas Island Friends of the Library, contacted me about a possible donation. The Friends had a significant collection of Northwest Coast art and culture books that they were wishing to donate to our library. Mr. Demerest noted that their library had inherited the collection of these books, and that they were searching for a home for them in a tribal library. He stressed that it was important to keep this collection of books together.

After some coordination of schedules, the books were delivered to our library in early August, delivered personally by Mr. Demerest. In appreciation, he was gifted with a bentwood box that was handcrafted by Beaver Lodge carvers with a design that was hand painted by Janis Bailey, a Carving Circle artist. Fifteen boxes of books in all were delivered—all of the books are in new or near new condition. The topics are roughly 85 percent Northwest Coast art, culture, and history. There are also some government publications that make a welcome addition to our ever-growing reference section. Additionally, there are a good number of museum catalogs for various native art exhibitions that make fascinating viewing (and reading) of various Northwest Coast works of art that are seldom seen.

A highlight from this marvelous gift of a collection includes the book Indians of the Northwest Coast by Maximilien Bruggman and Peter R. Gerber. From the inside cover of this magnificent title: “In this richly illustrated volume, ethnologist Peter R. Gerber traces the fascinating history of these (first) peoples from their origins thousands of years ago to the present day, while Maximilien Bruggmann’s stunning photographs vividly document the powerful imagery of these important cultures.”

I look forward to sharing this book and other new titles with you. The Samish Indian Nation Library is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. We will be closed for the holidays from December 23 to January 2. Our very best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday with your friends and loved ones!