Book Buzz: The Ministry for the Future

The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson This year’s Whatcom READS title, “Greenwood” by Michael Christie, imagines the near future, where eco-tourists pay top dollar to experience one of the last surviving old growth forests. While “Greenwood” is not overtly science fiction, the effects of climate change are certainly a major element in … Read more

Book Buzz: Small World

Small World by Jonathan Evison Screeching brakes, shattering glass, passenger names on a manifest, a retirement party that never happens. Jonathan Evison shows his hand on the first page of his new novel, “Small World,” described by Kirkus Reviews as “a bighearted, widescreen American tale.” Knowing that the characters will all find themselves in this … Read more

Book Buzz: Mud, Rocks, Blazes

Mud, Rocks, Blazes: Letting Go on the Appalachian Trail by Heather “Anish” Anderson In summer 2013, Bellingham-based Heather “Anish” Anderson set the fastest, unsupported time on the Pacific Crest Trail. She recounted the 60 day, 17 hour, 12 minute thru-hike in her 2019 memoir “Thirst: 2,600 Miles to Home.” It is an exhilarating personal tale … Read more

Request Free COVID Rapid-Test Kits

Website: https://sayyescovidhometest.org/ The Washington State Department of Health is offering free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits to residents of eligible communities. Availability changes, so keep checking back. You may also be eligible to order more than once and perhaps even on a monthly basis. Details will be available on your order confirmation page.

Birch Bay Library is Proposition 2 on Feb. 8 special election ballot

Architect's rendering of Birch Bay Library

Birch Bay voters will decide if a new library will be built for their community in the Feb. 8, 2022, special election. If Proposition 2 passes, a Birch Bay Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) will be established, allowing the LCFA board of directors to issue bonds to finance the construction of the library at 7968 … Read more

Scheduling your COVID-19 vaccination or booster

Website: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/ Everyone 5 years of age and older is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot. Vaccines.gov helps you find clinics, pharmacies, and other locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Information is available about which vaccine or booster you should get.

CDC: What to do if you have COVID-19

Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow these steps to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community. This resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention covers current quarantine guidelines, symptom monitoring, how to keep others safe, and when … Read more