ALL BRANCHES CLOSED THURS, FRI, NOVEMBER 27-28
All WCLS branches and offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28. Library Express locations will be open regular hours. Our catalog is always available here on our website.
Neil McKay
Ep. 58: Hot Takes from WCLS Staff
As the winter weather approaches, we thought we would ask our coworkers for their hot takes on what is great about the library. We asked, “What is one thing you wish EVERYONE knew about the library?” We did not know what the responses would be and I feel like we just scratched the surface of … Read more
NOTICE-11/08/2025: Library users may see longer waits for new and/or requested materials
The closure of Baker & Taylor, one of the largest book wholesalers in the country, is causing fulfillment delays for libraries across the U.S., including WCLS. You may experience longer than usual wait times for new books and requested items. Thank you for your patience. Learn more in this article from American Libraries magazine
Ep. 57: Jason LaClair and Marty Jimmy
WCLS Nooksack Cultural Liaison Marty Jimmy and Coast Salish artist/muralist Jason LaClair sit down for a conversation about indigenous art, friendship and growing up, traditions and cultural legacies, and much more at the Deming Library where Jason created and installed a mural of Salmon Woman and a Spindle Whorl on the library wall. The mural … Read more
Ep. 56: Thank You, Whatcom County Voters!
On Tuesday, August 5, Whatcom County voters approved a levy lid lift for the Whatcom County Library System. This allows us to continue to provide great service and offerings to county residents. In this special episode we talk with WCLS Trustee Matthew Santos, Executive Director Christine Perkins, Deputy Director Michael Cox, Facilities Manager Ryan Cullup, … Read more
Request for Proposal: WCLS Administrative Services Lighting Project 2025
Whatcom County Library System issues the following Request For Proposals: WCLS Administrative Services Lighting Project 2025 Bid proposals are due no later than 5:00PM on Tuesday September 9th, 2025
Ep. 55 Rod Lofdahl, WCLS Board of Trustees Chair
TRANSCRIPT In this episode we have a conversation with WCLS board chair Rod Lofdahl and executive director Christine Perkins. We touch on all sorts of topics. Stay tuned to the end for an unexpected lesson on viking history! Reading Recommendations: Books by Bernard Cornwell Books by Timothy Egan I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons by Peter … Read more
Ep 54: 2025 Intellectual Freedom Award Winners
TRANSCRIPT A conversation with Mary Kinser, Jonathan Jakobitz, Emma Radosevich and Hana Boxberger, Washington Library Association’s 2025 Candace Morgan Intellectual Freedom Award Winners for their work in developing a Right to Read training for WCLS staff. Washington Library Association 2025 Merit Award Winners American Library Association Library Bill of Rights Freedom to Read Statement Five … Read more
Ep. 53: Erica Bauermeister and Claire McElroy
TRANSCRIPT Our interview with Erica Bauermeister, author of the Whatcom READS 2025 selection, No Two Persons and a recap of the Whatcom READS season with WCLS Adult Programing Coordinator, Claire McElroy. Reading recommendations from Erica Bauermeister: I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olson (100 Years of the Best American Short Stories) The Light Pirate by … Read more
Ep. 52: Whatcom READS: Claire McElroy & Wes Weddell
TRANSCRIPT Claire McElroy and Wes Weddell tell us about a new addition to the Whatcom READS author visit: MUSIC inspired by the book, performed by local musicians and organized by the Bushwick Book Club of Seattle! Bushwick Book Club musicians who will be performing their musical interpretations of No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister on … Read more