Former Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest will host a night of diverse poetry as part of an inaugural festival. “Launched: Whatcom County Poets with New Titles in 2023” will be presented as part of Whatcom County Library System’s Open Book festival on Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Ferndale Events Center. Each of the highlighted … Read more
Three Ferndale School District educators and leaders who successfully advocate for reading and public libraries to further student success will be honored with Whatcom County Library System’s Golden Apple Educator Award at a 2:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 ceremony at the Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale. The celebration is part of the library … Read more
O Lady, Speak Again by Danya Patterson Let’s face it, I’m not at all qualified to review this powerful book of poems on the themes of feminism, Mormon culture and the women of Shakespeare’s plays. I’m in over my head, yet I’ve been drawn in by both wordplay and intimacy as Bellingham poet Dayna Patterson … Read more
Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) seeks a Whatcom County resident who loves libraries to fill a term on the WCLS Board of Trustees. This five-year term will expire Jan. 31, 2029. The application deadline is Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Library trustees’ responsibilities include: Candidates should live in Whatcom County, outside the city limits of Bellingham. Those with … Read more
Readers and writers, rejoice! Whatcom County Library System presents Open Book: A Festival for Readers, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale. The free event presented in partnership with Village Books and Paper Dreams and the Whatcom County Library Foundation celebrates readers, writers and bookish enthusiasm with author … Read more
Teaching in the Rain: The Story of North Cascades Institute by John C. Miles The North Cascades inspire dreamers. Count among them a group of five friends who, beginning in the early 1980s, turned a shared vision into the North Cascades Institute. The nationally respected environmental education nonprofit organization marked its 35th anniversary in 2021. … Read more
For Summer Reading 2023, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) patrons read for the trees. Summer Reading activities added up to trees that will be planted in Whatcom County in partnership with Whatcom Million Trees Project (WMTP). Thanks to local readers and to funding from the Whatcom County Library Foundation, WCLS and WMTP will plant 500 … Read more
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin Legendary music producer and founder of Def Jam Recordings Rick Rubin is known for his light touch with artists and an ear for what’s profitable. The list of musicians and bands he’s worked with is a who’s who of rap, hip-hop, heavy metal and rock: … Read more
Trailer Park Psalms: Poems by Ryler Dustin Ryler Dustin’s latest book of poetry, “Trailer Park Psalms,” is a slender volume of poems that speaks to readers with a quiet voice. Dustin developed his skill as a poet and spoken word performer at the long-running Poetry Night open mic at Stuart’s Coffeehouse on the corner of … Read more
I Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer by Robert Lashley I have read and heard Robert Lashley’s work for more than 15 years. He has published three books of poetry and has presented his work in venues across the country. In 2021, at the peak of the pandemic, Lashley gave a live 10-poem performance via … Read more