WCLS partners with state, county health departments to respond to opioid crisis

Whatcom County Library System Logo

Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is partnering with the Washington State Department of Health to provide free naloxone kits to community members in need. The kits are available at WCLS’s 10 branch locations and the bookmobile. Supplies are limited but will be refilled periodically as long as WCLS can obtain additional doses.  “We are thrilled … Read more

WCLS asks: Can you spot a scam?

cartoon image of detective with giant magnifying glass

By WCLS Executive Director Christine Perkins I was talking to a library patron recently and asked how her week was going. “Terrible,” she reported, and went on to explain that her computer had been “hacked” while shopping online and she had been on the phone with someone who insisted she send him thousands of dollars. … Read more

Whatcom READS announces 2024 programs

Library staff and booksellers who organize and present Whatcom READS have announced the literary program’s 2024 schedule of community and author events, celebrating Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe. Winner of the Washington State Book Award for creative nonfiction, Red Paint traces LaPointe’s personal story of trauma, healing and the search … Read more

Whatcom County Council allocates $315,000 in ARPA funding to support Birch Bay Vogt Library Express

Whatcom County Library System Logo

Following successful outreach by Friends of the Birch Bay Library volunteers, the Whatcom County Council has allocated $315,000 to support construction of the Birch Bay Vogt Library Express. The funding was included in County Executive Satpal Sidhu’s recommendations for the county’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expenditures and agreed to by the council. The ARPA … Read more

Changes in Kanopy Streaming Video Take Effect Nov. 1

Kanopy ticket alert notice

On Nov. 1, 2023, Kanopy changed from a “credit” system to a “ticket” system. Each month, patrons will receive 30 tickets instead of 10 movie credits. (Note: Kanopy Kids still does not require credits or tickets. You can watch unlimited Kanopy Kids videos as before.)  Movies and series will require tickets (often just two tickets … Read more

WCLS presents Golden Apple Educator Awards to three Ferndale School District educators and leaders

Whatcom County Library System Logo

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

Apply to serve on WCLS Board of Trustees

Whatcom County Library System Logo

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

WCLS presents Open Book: A Festival for Readers

Open Book: A Festival for Readers. Sunday November 5, noon to 5 p.m.

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

Oct. 7 tree planting ceremony at Deming Library honors Summer Reading achievement

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

Libraries are cooling stations

A heat advisory has been issued for parts of Western Washington, including Whatcom County, through Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. All WCLS libraries are equipped with air conditioning and can be useful as a cooling station for community members. Please exercise caution and spread the word to any neighbors who might need to cool down. Find … Read more