Library story pole carves open new chapter in community relations

It isn’t just a new library being built at the old Pederson Automotive site on Morris Street.

An understanding that the local area is one community – a single, multi-cultural community – is being built there as well, La Conner Library Foundation Director Susan Macek said last week.

The much-anticipated start of construction of the La Conner-Swinomish Regional Library underscores the value of working together on a project that will serve and benefit the many diverse groups within the library district here, Macek said.

And symbolizing that unity at the library’s main entrance will be a striking 18-foot story pole transformed by master carver Kevin Paul from a centuries-old cedar log that had been delivered to a mill in Snohomish County.

Paul selected the log and blessed it during a trip to the mill last summer.

Macek said Paul has designed the pole to feature three key elements: an eagle representing guidance and wisdom, two salmon in a circle representing sharing and the welcome figure wearing a cedar hat with arms in a gesturing motion.

“We have been calling this the Story Pole Project because the pole will reflect a place that contains and shares many stories, information and resources,” Macek said. “A theme for the new library,” she told the Weekly News, “is that it will be a place for discovery, inspiration and connection.”

Paul, a La Conner High School instructor and former Swinomish tribal senator, is no stranger to major projects. He has twice been enlisted to take part in restoration of the famed Swinomish totem pole, whose icons depict important tribal and family stories and bears the image of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

He has also restored the totem pole that graces the La Conner Elementary School campus.

Paul has been aided on the current library story pole work by his son-in-law, Portland native Camas Logue. The two have worked on the pole outside Paul’s home in Swinomish Village.

“I like working outdoors,” Paul, the subject of numerous newspaper and magazine articles over the years, has often said. “I like the natural lighting.”

Paul intends the library story pole to signify that the new building will be a place for all people to gather and receive guidance, learn and share knowledge.

“These are the values that the library emphasizes in its mission,” Macek said. “Kevin’s symbolic imagery also makes use of icons that are important to the Swinomish Tribe.”

Macek noted that Swinomish Senator Brian Wilbur has played a vital role from the outset on all facets of the library project, including the story pole.

She said the story pole represents “an important and historic agreement between the La Conner Regional Library District and the Swinomish Tribal Community,” a pact that makes it essential the new building mirrors tribal culture, history and goals.

“The Swinomish people,” said Macek, “must feel this is their library, too.”

In addition, she said, the new library will also represent many other groups within the library district, including La Conner Schools, local businesses, the maritime industry, the agricultural sector, artists, authors, seniors, children, families and visitors.

“We are honored,” Macek said, “to partner with the tribe in building a library that will be a destination for the entire La Conner community, for people of all ages and backgrounds. There is a strong commitment between the tribe and the library to enhance understanding of the different cultures that contribute to our way of life in this part of western Washington.”

That’s where the story pole comes in.

Its purpose, through traditional Swinomish icons and symbols, is to reinforce the library as a safe, supportive and welcoming place that values and respects everyone who enters, Macek stressed.

A 1979 La Conner graduate, Paul is uniquely able to fulfill that charge, she said.

“It’s his inspiration and imagery bringing this beautiful and symbolic carving to life,” Macek said. “We are truly honored to have Kevin and his family involved in creating this very special work of art that will endure for many generations. We are grateful to Kevin for sharing his vision and his talents and to members of the community who have supported the project.”