Neil McKay
Ep. 59: Summer at the Library with Claire McElroy and Mary Vermillion
Summer at the Library includes so many activities and events that I had to bring WCLS Adult Events Coordinator Claire McElroy in to talk to myself and my boss, Mary Vermillion, about them. Listen for ways you can combine library joy and summer fun to make the most out of these long summer days. Whatcom … Read more
Invitation to Bid: Parking Lot Maintenance & Repair
Whatcom County Library System issues the following Invitation to Bid: Parking Lot Maintenance & Repair Bid proposals are due no later than 5:00PM on Wednesday June 17th, 2026 Submitted bid packages will be opened on June 18th at 11AM. You may attend the virtual bid opening meeting here: Bid Opening Meeting
Book Buzz: Murderland
Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers by Caroline Fraser Set aside your preconceived notions about how a true-crime book should read. This one is wild. Comprehensive in history and background material, “Murderland” never goes off the rails, but it does take some side trips to unexpected destinations. Don’t jump off the … Read more
Approved Minutes Template
APPROVED MINUTESLibrary Board of Trustees Special Meeting DATE Location This meeting was held in-person attendance at UPDATE_AS_NEEDED In Attendance Trustees: UPDATE_AS_NEEDED Matthew Santos, Chair; John Miller, Vice Chair; Danielle Gaughen, Secretary; Riley Sweeney and Jes Stugelmayer. Absent: None Staff: UPDATE_AS_NEEDED Christine Perkins, Executive Director; Michael Cox, Deputy Director; Jackie Saul, Director of Finance and Administration; … 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
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
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
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