The Mount Vernon Library Foundation’s Presentation of Daniel J. Brown at the Lincoln Theatre
 
When we read a book, we engage with its writer to find meaning in the words he or she has written. We may think about choices the author made, reflect on new insights and information, and lose ourselves to other times and places.  Such is the case with The Boys in the Boat (about the University of Washington’s 1936 Olympic rowing team) and Facing the Mountain (about young Japanese-Americans who fought in WWII while their families were imprisoned in internment camps). 
 
On Saturday March 8, 2025 the Mount Vernon Library Foundation brought author, Daniel J. Brown to the Lincoln Theatre where he told stories of writing these two books: how he found the stories,  how he met with the books’ heroes or people who had known them, how he researched details, and most importantly—what he learned about valor and strength of character from the men whose stories he told.  
 
Many audience members had read one or both books. During the question-and-answer time several former rowers told stories of their experiences with subsequent University of Washington crews. One even wore his crew letter sweater. Others talked about their relatives who fought in the 442nd and their families who were interned in camps during the war. Both books told stories of people who had lived in the Skagit Valley, and the evening with its author brought us together.
 
The best part?  The community came together by the power of the written word and stories of human valor that connect us all. We will remember the evening for a long time.  
 
The Mount Vernon Library Foundation is grateful to everyone who supported the event.

​Join the Mount Vernon Library Foundation on March 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm for our second annual author event to support exciting library programs for the entire community. The Foundation seeks ongoing financial donations to continue supporting the programs that make the Mount Vernon Library Commons extraordinary.
 
Mr. Brown is the author of The Boys in the Boat, about the University of Washington rowing team during the 1936 Olympics, and more recently, Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II, which introduces us to the Japanese Americans who fought in a special unit during WWII while many of their family members were incarcerated in detention camps. He’ll talk about both books, how they are related, and how he came to write them.

​Both books will be available for purchase at the event, courtesy of Seaport Books in LaConner.Looking to reserve one in advance? Call or email Seaport at (360)-399-1800 or [email protected]  and they will hold your book for pickup or bring it to the event for you.
 

Community members gathered on January 16 for Ukrainian Game Night. There were cards, board games, snacks, lots of laughter and talk—and importantly, ideas for future gatherings. How about Ukrainian cooking classes once the Commons kitchen is open? Food is always a draw, and teaching others to make simple, traditional meals serves as a window to appreciating one another’s cultures. 

The Library is working to expand its Ukrainian book titles, and in the larger picture, is also developing its world languages collection. As Dr. Suess wrote, “The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”  And you don’t even have to leave Mount Vernon. Ghanian cooking classes, anyone?  
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Ukrainian Game Night was just the beginning of using the Library’s new space to bring more people and their families together to share cultures and help make us a more cohesive community. 

​The Mount Vernon Library Commons staff has long been on the road, visiting preschools, school/after school programs, and adult locations such as The Bridge, Mountain Glen, and Martha’s Place.  They’ve done it, loading books and materials into their own cars, driving bags and boxes to nearly 30 sites each month, not counting school and community events. 
 
Recently the city supplied a car, and the Mount Vernon Library Foundation funded a “wrap” to make the vehicle identifiable.  We wanted townspeople to witness and appreciate the library’s outreach efforts.
 
When you see the tulip car, imagine it filled with words and images as library staff delivers joy to your neighbors—to our young, to our not-so-young, and to those in between.