On June 2, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that public libraries may begin offering limited services in Phase 2 of Washington’s Safe Start plan. When Whatcom County moves to Phase 2, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) staff will be ready to go with a safe phased approach to services. Reopening will happen in stages to protect … Read more WCLS prepares for phased return to service
A summer reading program for kids, teens and adults launches June 1 at local public libraries. Because library buildings currently remain closed due to COVID-19 public health guidance, there are a few changes this year, but the annual program’s focus on discovery remains the same. The Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library System team up each year to provide … Read more Libraries launch annual summer reading program
During this time of staying home and staying healthy, record numbers of people are accessing Whatcom County Library System’s free digital services. Now, they can say thanks by donating to support library programming during the second annual Library Giving Day campaign, a one-day online fundraising event on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Library Giving Day donations … Read more Online day of giving supports libraries
Looking for a new source for online entertainment and educational resources while you’re spending time at home? Turn to your library. In addition to the wealth of digital content such as streaming music and movies, eBooks and eAudiobooks, genealogy tools and more on wcls.org, the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is now creating original programming … Read more Library system launches WCLS@Home
Although Whatcom County Library System buildings are closed, community members can still access the library’s extensive, free digital resources online. And, beginning Monday, March 23, library staff will answer patron questions daily from 1-5 p.m. via phone, email and online chat. A library card is required to access digital services. It’s easy to apply for … Read more Library locations and book drops are closed, but you can access the library’s free digital resources online. Need help? Call library staff between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. daily at 360-305-3600. Please keep your library materials until we reopen. There are no overdue fines.
April 5, 2020 update: Library programs are cancelled until further notice. Due to current public health guidelines, Whatcom County Library System has cancelled or postponed all programs, events, branch services and outreach activities until further notice. We will share updates — and free online library resources you can use at home — on our website and social media … Read more UPDATE 4/5/2020: WCLS closes branches to mitigate COVID-19 spread
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to current guidance from public health officials, Whatcom County Library System is cancelling all branch programs, events, meeting room bookings, and outreach activities during the month of March. At this time, all branch locations continue to operate with normal hours. Find out more about our response to COVID-19 and how to access … Read more UPDATE 3/10/2020 COVID-19 information and resources, library event cancellations
For its 12th annual season, Whatcom READS, Bellingham and Whatcom County’s countywide book club, welcomes author Eowyn Ivey to town March 5-7 to discuss her book To the Bright Edge of the World. The events at five venues in Ferndale, Bellingham and Lynden are free; no reservations or tickets are required. Arrive early to secure … Read more Whatcom READS presents author Eowyn Ivey at free public events March 5-7, 2020
Jan. 2, 2020 (Bellingham, WA) – Public libraries in Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County are saying farewell to overdue fines. On January 2, Bellingham Public Library (BPL) and Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) joined libraries across the country that have eliminated the practice of charging people for returning library materials after the due date. This … Read more Libraries say farewell to overdue fines
The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) will celebrate talented young artists in our community during a reception for the Whatcomics exhibit and publication. Everyone is invited to attend the reception, which will take place Saturday, January 11, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Lynden Library, 216 4th Street. The annual program began … Read more Whatcomics features talented teen artists