WCLS Mission Statement:

In partnership with our communities, WCLS brings the joy of reading and the

world of ideas to every resident in an open and enriching environment.


The 2008 Final Budget
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2006 WCLS Annual Report
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What is the Whatcom County Library System?

• 9 Community branch libraries in Whatcom County, the NW corner of Washington, including a System Reference Center in the Lynden Branch Library. (click here to see branch and System Reference schedule)
• Bookmobile service to rural areas in Whatcom County outside the service area of branch libraries.
  (click here to see bookmobile schedule)
• A collection of books, magazines, videotapes and recordings.
• A method of bringing you the book you want from anywhere in our system; we'll borrow from other libraries too!
• Public computers with access to the Internet and other electronic databases
• Storytimes and programs, books and other materials, and special assistance for children, toddlers through teens. (click here for information on volunteering)
• Information by telephone; call your nearest branch, or the System Reference Center at 360-354-4883 in the Lynden Library.
• Home delivery is available for those who can't come to the library due to age, illness or disability.
  (click here for information on Outreach)
• All county residents may check out books at Bellingham Public Library without a charge. County residents may also use any branch of Fraser Valley (Canada) Regional Library.

Questions and answers:

Who can use the library?

All permanent residents and property owners of Whatcom County have borrowing privileges. By agreement, Bellingham city residents and patrons of the Fraser Valley Regional Library also may use the Whatcom County Library System.

Yes, to borrow library materials you must have either a WCLS or a Bellingham library card. You may apply for a library card at any branch of Whatcom County Library System or at Bellingham Public Library. (click here to see borrower's policy)

Most materials may be checked out for three weeks. Videotapes and materials in high demand have a shorter loan period.

Yes, library materials may be renewed one time if no one else is waiting for them.

Yes! Materials may be returned to any Whatcom County Library System branch library or Bellingham Public Library at any time.  Bookdrops are also available at any time at three bookmobile stops: Acme Presbyterian Church, Lake Samish Old Fire Hall, South Bay Fire Station and Sudden Valley Village.  Materials may also be returned to any bookmobile stop during open hours. 

Following a grace period of 7 calendar days, an overdue fine of 10 cents per day will be assessed to a maximum of $5.00 for adult items. (except videos and DVDs)

5 cents per day will be assessed to a maximum of $2.50 per item for juvenile and young adult items (except videos and DVDs).

Videos and DVDs have a grace period of two calendar days. An overdue fine of 10 cents per video or DVD per day will be assessed to a maximum of $5.00 per title. If materials are not paid for or returned the account may be turned over to a collection agency. Money raised from library overdue fines will be used to pay for ongoing maintenance and future improvements of the library computer catalog.