As you may have seen in the San Juan Island Library’s latest print newsletter, we started a new digital collection called “Ferry Tales,” which collects stories and art surrounding our experiences riding the ferry. This idea has been done a few times before (for example, the 1986 “Ferry Tales from Puget Sound” and the 1990 “Ferry Tales of the San Juans: From Bad to Verse” are both delightful and available at the library; check them out today!), and we are proud to continue a tradition of island storytelling that goes back several decades.

I have taken particular delight in this project because when I tell people what we are doing, I often get to hear their ferry stories right then and there. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes downright alarming (it sounds like the ‘70s had very different rules!). I have treasured hearing everyone’s most memorable moments on this unique mode of public transport.

I’ve been working on writing up my own ferry story (spoiler alert: it may involve a moving van that is leaking honey bees), and when it is ready, I will submit it to the collection. I want you to submit your story, too! Submit a short essay, poem, recording, picture, painting or any other creative submission that narrates your experiences with the ferries. You can submit your story at sjlib.librariesshare.com/ferrytales.

We already have a few stories, photos and pieces of art submitted, and you can explore the digital collection at our Creators’ Circle at sjlib.org/creators-circle/ . If it is your first time logging in to one of our Biblioboard collections, you will need to create an account using your library card number and password.

And most exciting of all, this collection is only the beginning! The library is working to collect and celebrate local art, literature, culture and history, and we’ll be announcing additional digital local collections throughout the year. We will feature those collections on our Creators’ Circle webpage. Stay tuned to see what fantastic local collections become available!

Anthony Morris

-Assistant director of San Juan Island Library

-Likely troublemaker

-Unlikely troublemender