New library story pole speaks volumes to community spirit

Swinomish master carver Kevin Paul's latest work, a carved and painted thematic totem story pole was installed near the new La Conner Swinomish Library entrance July 7.

“It’s really a landmark,” said La Conner Regional Library Board of Directors Secretary Robert Hancock, who attended the hour-long installation and brief ceremony afterward. “It’s something that people coming to town will want to have their picture taken with.”

The tall and graceful pole symbolizes unity and a reverence for lifelong learning and personal growth. Son-in-law Camas Logue was Paul’s assistant.

The pole bears images – a welcoming host, two chasing salmon and an eagle – that convey the library’s mission, Paul, a library board member, told the Weekly News.

The figure at the bottom, with its arms raised and hands placed at chest level, represents inclusion, Paul said.

“It means that all are welcome at the library,” Paul, a 1979 La Conner High School grad whose work has drawn global acclaim, said prior to the pole’s installation.

“The salmon is for sharing and the eagle stands for guidance,” he added.

Paul drummed and sang his “Eagle Blessing Song” once the pole was put in place.

Moments earlier, La Conner Mayor Ramon Hayes had stopped his car and bounded across the street to shake Paul’s hand and thank him for his work on the pole.

Hayes was not alone in expressing his admiration.

Library project architect Matt Aalfs said the pole is so striking in its imagery and distinct color scheme that it dictated changes be made to the building’s design.

“We wanted to integrate the two,” Aalfs explained. “We wanted something complementary so that the story pole wouldn’t be seen as just something being added to the building.”

Aalfs said a section of the cedar log from which Paul and Logue fashioned the story pole is being used for interior shelving and the library’s circulation desk.

Inside the library, cultural integration and local history are being highlighted. The children’s area will sport the replica of a tugboat honoring the Dunlap Towing Co. and recognizing La Conner’s long maritime heritage, said library board chair Jean Markert.

Aalfs said blending the designs of the pole and library building was reflective of the collaborative spirit that has marked the entire project.

“It’s been great,” said Aalfs, “to work with a master carver like Kevin and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

“This,” he added, “is an example of communities coming together to create something for everyone.”

Building signage is in four languages, Braille, English, Lushootseed and Spanish, as an example, he said.

Paul’s wife, Pat, a La Conner attorney and the Weekly News food editor, said that Logue’s work on the pole likewise merits praise.

“I told Camus this makes him a master carver, too,” she said.

Logue said he was grateful for having been given the opportunity to take part in a project that will help define La Conner and Swinomish for decades to come.

“We started on it about two years ago,” he said, “and it’s awesome to see it completed. It’s been a great experience.”

Kevin Paul, in remarks following placement of the pole, said construction of the library fulfills his vision of La Conner and Swinomish coalescing around a major shared priority.

Swinomish Senator Brian Wilbur, who was instrumental in securing tribal support for the new library, echoed Paul.

“I’m proud the Swinomish Tribe was able to provide financial support to help with something that will connect our communities,” Wilbur said. “We share a lot of things together. We want to strengthen that relationship. Our thought was the library is a way to bridge our communities. I’m super proud to be part of this.”

The new library has been 10 years in the making, La Conner Library Foundation board treasurer Jim Airy reminded those gathered.

“This would not be happening,” Airy stressed, “without the support of the Swinomish Tribe.”

Foundation Director Susan Macek said the new library, while requiring years of tireless planning and fundraising, will produce community-wide dividends well into the future.

“This library will be here for another 100 years,” she assured, “for people to enjoy in the generations to come.”

Macek said October is the likely date for the grand opening.