Great Decisions at the Library

Beginning Feb. 1, the community is invited to learn about and weigh in on six foreign policy issues facing the United States today: Feb. 1 – Ukraine and the Future of European Security; Feb. 15 – U.S. China Relations; Feb. 22 – Rainbow Nation: Can South Africa Revive Its Goal of a Nonracial Democracy?; March 8 – Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation; March 15 – The Future of Human Rights and International Law; and March 22 – America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy.

The lively discussions take place from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at the Bainbridge Public Library. All events are free, with donations appreciated. Refreshments are provided.

Now in its 20th year, Great Decisions at the Library is part of a nationwide, non-partisan program of the Foreign Policy Association intended to broaden public involvement in foreign affairs. While enjoying refreshments, Great Decisions at the Library participants first view a 25-minute Foreign Policy Association video on the topic under consideration and then engage in a discussion led by an informed moderator. A Briefing Book, published by the Foreign Policy Association, is also available.

Visit the Bainbridge Public Library website, BainbridgePublicLibrary.org, for more details about this year’s topics and guest moderators and for any date changes.

Ferry task force

Washington State Ferries is looking for community members to join a task force that will provide input and recommendations on sailing schedule changes for the Bainbridge Island and Bremerton routes.

The task force is an advisory group charged with examining current sailing schedules, reviewing options developed by WSF, and making recommendations. The group will help prioritize changes and review impacts to WSF customers and communities, providing a balance of perspectives across all users of both routes, per a news release

The task force will meet approximately monthly on a weekday evening to be determined throughout 2026. If you are interested in serving on the task force, fill out the application (surveymonkey.com/r/BIBremTaskForceApplication) by Feb. 2 at 5 p.m.

Parks Comp Plan input

The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District is in the final stage of updating its Comprehensive Plan, the guiding document updated every six years that evaluates current assets, identifies community needs, and sets goals for the future.

The draft plan is now available for public review. Community members are encouraged to share feedback by emailing the park district Board of Commissioners at info@biparks.org. Comments will be accepted through the anticipated plan adoption at the park board meeting Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Strawberry Hill Center, 7666 NE High School Road.

To ensure feedback is included in the formal document, please submit comments by Feb. 11. All input received will be shared with the board prior to the vote to adopt the updated plan.

Learn more and access the draft plan: https://biparks.org/comprehensive-planning/

Artist talk

An Artist Talk and Film Screening: “Storytime with Mare Blocker” will take place Feb. 7 from 2-3 p.m. at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

Blocker will discuss her latest artwork, “Let the Water Hold You”, followed by a screening of “Storytime With Mare,” a short film of autobiographical stories that have shaped her creative journey, produced by Trial and Error Productions.

Price is $11.89 members/ $13.95 non-members.

Author event

Join acclaimed author of “The Paris Wife”, Paula McLain, to celebrate her new book “Skylark” Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. in the Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. Skylark is a dual-timeline historical tale of defiance and life-changing decisions set in the dark reflection of the city of light in 1664 and 1939, per a news release.

McLain’s defiant new novel digs deep into the underbelly of Paris in a spellbinding tale that transcends time. 1664: the daughter of a master tapestry dyer grapples with artistic freedom and the unjust imprisonment of her father, leading to her own psychiatric confinement. 1939: a medical student begins his psychiatric residency as the Nazis descend on Paris, forced to jeopardize his career to protect his Jewish neighbors, the release says.

It is a ticketed book-bundled event. Tickets are available to purchase at Eagle Harbor Books, either in-store or on their website. One ticket is the price of the book and includes a hardcover copy of “Skylark” and one admittance to the event.

BAC exhibition

Bainbridge Arts & Crafts will be holding an exhibition Feb. 6-March 2, featuring 12 Puget Sound artists working with paint, clay, glass, ink, wire, fiber, and photography to show their skill in utilizing low contrast, high contrast, and tonal grays to create impact, mystery, mood and beauty, per a news release.

The artists are Theresa Choi, Mikey Cozza, Leah Gerrard, Gary Groves, Larry Halvorsen, Sandee Johnson, Dorothy McGuinness, Linda Okazaki, Steve Stolee, Christie Tirado, Jeanne Toal and Kay Walsh.

The opening reception takes place Feb. 6 from 6-8 p.m.

Black History Month Soirée

BIMA’s annual Black History Month Soirée will take place Feb. 21 from 6-9 p.m.

The museum comes alive with live music, performances, art-making, and a marketplace spotlighting Black-owned businesses, all centered around connection and shared experience, per a news release. The Soirée features a curated pop-up market hosted by Seattle’s Black Love Market, which features art, goods, and food by Black makers and entrepreneurs, as well as hands-on art activities, along with live music and performances rooted in Black traditions.

Tickets for the Soirée are $10.

Park district concerts

The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation presents Sounds of Winter, a new intimate concert series held at Island Center Hall from 6:30-8 p.m.

This winter, the park district invites the community to warm up with Sounds of Winter, a new four-part intimate concert series celebrating local musicians, seasonal sounds, and community connection, per a news release. Hosted at historic Island Center Hall, the series offers a cozy, close-up concert experience designed for unwinding and enjoying live music at the end of the day.

Each evening features regional artists performing original compositions, inspired instrumentals, and timeless favorites that reflect the beauty and mood of winter in the Pacific Northwest. Guests are encouraged to bring friends, settle in, and enjoy a soulful musical experience in a welcoming setting.

The winter lineup includes The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra (Feb. 12), Sue Jane & Steve Bryant (Feb. 26), Tracie Marsh Band (March 12), and Karin Kajita Quintet: The Life & Music of Duke Ellington (March 26).

Tickets are $10 residents and $12 for non-residents.

BI police log

01/19 BURGLARY, 8750 SPARGUR LOOP RD NE

01/19 DUI, 15915 STATE HIGHWAY 305 NE

01/19 ANIMAL CRIMINAL, 12490 MANZANITA RD NE

01/20 CRIMINAL TRAFFIC, 8677 MADISON AVE N

01/20 AGENCY ASSIST, 333 WEAVER RD NW

01/20 CRIMINAL TRAFFIC, 8804 MADISON AVE N

01/21 THEFT, 260 OLYMPIC DR SE

01/21 INCIDENT, 6163 NE BAKER HILL RD

01/23 IDENTITY THEFT, 920 HILDEBRAND LN NE

01/24 VIOLATION COURT ORDER, 13539 MANZANITA RD NE

01/24 FOUND PROPERTY, 635 HIGH SCHOOL RD NE

01/25 SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT, 240 CAMELIA LOOP NE