Neil McKay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRANSCRIPT Open Book: Sunday, November 3, 2024, Ferndale Events Center Janie Chang’s Family Stories Books by Janie Chang Janie’s recommendations: The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Songs of Penelopy trilogy by Claire North Other favorites: Emily Brontë, Louise Penny, Barry Hughart Kim’s Recommendations: Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell The … Read more