Read

Looking for your next great read or the latest bestseller or a childhood favorite that is out of print? We have what you want! Looking for an esoteric title that only exists in three libraries in the nation? We’ll get it for you!

Is there a waitlist for what you want?  Place a request- it’s your vote for the library to purchase another copy of that title, and we tally those votes every week.


COME TO THE LIBRARY


Open the door to a WCLS library and step into another world, one where hundreds of thousands of titles are at your fingertips. Visit our fiction collections for an escape from the everyday. Love mysteries? We’ve sorted those and other fan-favorite categories out for you on our genre-specific shelves. Dip into the nonfiction sections to learn more about a topic, explore a hobby, or read stories from all walks of life.

Library staff are readers just like you. Our Staff Picks sections showcase the titles we’re reading and loving right now, from popular titles to hidden gems. Scan the shelves to find the book you never knew you wanted.

Can’t decide? You don’t have to – take home a little of everything. Your library is waiting, and it’s better than ever!

  • Pro Tip: Our Book Club Picks page features excellent titles for reading and discussion. We purchase multiple copies and multiple formats to support great group reading experiences with friends, family, coworkers, or your book club.

GO ONLINE


Washington Anytime Library:  Largest Selection of eFiction and Nonfiction as well as popular magazines.

Load up your device with eBooks or eAudiobooks here – you’ll always have something to read, wherever you are. This is the place you’ll find books like Modern RomanceThe Girl on the TrainThe Life-Changing Magic of Tidying UpWinnie the Pooh, and the Harry Potter series.

  • Pro Tip: If you are looking for a new release you may want to start by searching the Washington Anytime Library website.  Brand new eBooks and eAudio can take a little time to show up in the library catalog.

DISCUSS


Whatcom Reads logo

Sometimes the best part about reading a book is discussing it with others.  WCLS hosts several book clubs and is a founding member of Whatcom READS!. Each year, we encourage everyone in Whatcom County to read the same book – then talk about it with others.  Whatcom READS! culminates with a series of author events to round out your understanding of the featured title.  Visit www.whatcomreads.org for this year’s book and a complete calendar of events.


NOT SURE WHAT YOU WANT?


Don’t know what you want?  Librarians are your personal book shoppers! You can check out NoveList for reading suggestions based on your mood, get author and title read-alikes, browse lists, or search for themes with this power-packed resource.

WCLS staff are always available to talk online or in person about great titles for you, your family, friends, or book club.  Give us a list of titles or authors you love and we’ll come up with a list of books just for you!

Or, better yet, wander in and discover something wonderful that you weren’t expecting. Check out our curated displays or browse our Hot Picks collection (books hand-selected for their engaging themes and high-interest plots). Our goal is to delight you so that you walk into the library for one title and leave with ten!