Book Buzz: COVID-19 Literature
On March 23, 2020, Washington state issued a stay-at-home order because of the spread of COVID-19, introducing a surreal period in our collective memory. It is interesting to watch how and when historical events show up in literature as a means of exploring, documenting and remembering difficult times in our shared history. Six years post-pandemic, … Read more
Policy and Procedure Manual 6.01 Conduct Policy
CONDUCT POLICY POLICY NUMBER: 6.01 SCOPEThis policy applies to all patrons and staff in every facility of the Whatcom County Library System. The goal of the Whatcom County Library System is to protect each individual’s use and enjoyment of WCLS services. The Board of Trustees has established this policy to protect the rights and safety of … Read more
Read George Takei’s graphic memoir with the West Coast’s biggest book club
This spring, Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library System invite you to take part in One Book, One Coast, a shared reading initiative connecting more than 190 library systems across California, Oregon and Washington, including 25 in Washington state. Organized by LA County Library, One Book, One Coast brings together West Coast library systems … Read more
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” is the latest work of historical fiction from acclaimed author Lisa See. Inspired by the true story of a 15th century female physician in China, the novel follows the life of Tan Yunxian from her sheltered youth to her impactful old age. … Read more
Book Buzz: Dungeon Crawler Carl
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman Sometimes escapism is the only way to tolerate real life, and Gig Harbor author Matt Dinniman’s absurdist fantasy featuring accidental hero Carl delivers in spades. Carl is a 27-year-old Coast Guard veteran from Seattle who broke up recently with his live-in girlfriend when he discovered she was cheating on … Read more
Whatcom READS selects I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger as its featured title for the 2026-2027 season
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger is Whatcom READS’ 2027 book selection. Javier Zamora, the author of the literary program’s 2026 featured title, Solito: A Memoir, made the announcement at the close of his March 13 Whatcom READS author event at the Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, Wash. As described on the author’s website, I Cheerfully Refuse is “set in a not-too-distant America and is the tale of a bereaved and pursued musician embarking under sail on … Read more
Book Buzz: Lovers in Auschwitz
Lovers In Auschwitz: A True Story by Keren Blankfeld Journalist Keren Blankfeld’s debut work, “Lovers in Auschwitz,” is a gripping biographical account of two survivors who found an unlikely romance in the darkest of places. The book follows Zippi Spitzer and David Wisnia, two young prisoners who found solace in each other before the war’s … Read more
Book Buzz: Lake Effect
Lake Effect by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney It’s 1977 in Rochester, New York, and life for two families on Cambridge Road is about to forever change. When Nina Larkin’s newly single friend gifts her a copy of The Joy of Sex, Nina suddenly realizes she wants more than her going-through-the-motions marriage. Nina falls into a relationship with Finn Finnegan – which turns out to be not just a fling, but a … Read more
Book Buzz: Kin
Kin by Tayari Jones Tayari Jones’ 2018 novel An American Marriage was a bestseller, an award-winner and an Oprah Book Club Pick, and readers have been eagerly awaiting her next book ever since. Happily Jones returns in 2026 with Kin, another richly crafted story that blends themes of fate and the power of individual choice. Annie and Niecy are “cradle friends” from small-town Louisiana. The girls have each been raised by … Read more