It’s time for Summer Reading

Summer Reading 2022

The annual Summer Reading program for kids, teens and adults is underway at local public libraries. Pick up a Summer Reading card at Bellingham Public Library or Whatcom County Library System branches or download a card at the library systems’ websites, bellinghampubliclibrary.com/summer-reading or wcls.org/summer-reading. Cards are available in English, Punjabi, Russian and Spanish languages. The library systems’ Summer Reading … Read more

WCLS offers free at-home COVID-19 tests

Are you in need of a COVID-19 home test? All Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) branches are offering free COVID-19 antigen home tests to patrons while supplies last. The tests come two per box; the library is offering up to five boxes per family, if needed. To pick up tests, visit WCLS branches in Blaine, Deming, … Read more

Apply to serve on WCLS Board of Trustees

Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) seeks a Whatcom County resident who loves libraries to fill a partial term on the WCLS Board of Trustees. This term will expire Jan. 31, 2025. The application deadline is Friday, June 10. Library trustees’ responsibilities include:  Being an advocate for the library system and the community it serves.  Establishing a mission, … Read more

WCLS responds to Birch Bay Library article

WCLS Logo

By Christine Perkins, Executive Director, Whatcom County Library System Note: This post was updated Sunday, April 3, 2022, in response to a question about WCLS’s ability to sell the house. As reported in the March 31 issue of The Northern Light, following recent elections, the Birch Bay Library project is currently on hold while the … Read more

National Library Week 2022: Connect with Your Library

National Library Week promotional image featuring Molly Shannon

Molly Shannon, multiple Emmy-nominated and Spirit Award-winning actress, comedian, and legendary Saturday Night Live cast member, will help celebrate our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week, April 3–9, 2022. Shannon will highlight the numerous ways libraries serve to connect communities to books, resources, programs, and, of course, each other.   “I am … Read more

Whatcom READS announces 2023 book selection

Whatcom Reads logo

The Cold Millions by Spokane-based author Jess Walter is the Whatcom READS 2023 book selection. Michael Christie, author of the 2022 featured title, Greenwood, made the announcement during a March 4 event at the Mount Baker Theatre. Winner of the Washington State Book Award and named to numerous “Best Book of the Year” lists, The Cold … Read more

Register now for Whatcom READS author events

Whatcom Reads logo

Registration is now open for March 3-5 Whatcom READS events with Greenwood author Michael Christie. Four in-person and one online event will be held at venues in Bellingham and Whatcom County. Registration is required to manage capacity and to enable Whatcom READS organizers to contact participants if event details change. In response to public health … Read more

Birch Bay Library is Proposition 2 on Feb. 8 special election ballot

Architect's rendering of Birch Bay Library

Birch Bay voters will decide if a new library will be built for their community in the Feb. 8, 2022, special election. If Proposition 2 passes, a Birch Bay Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) will be established, allowing the LCFA board of directors to issue bonds to finance the construction of the library at 7968 … Read more

Whatcom County Library Foundation establishes Sumas Library Recovery Fund

Whatcom County Library Foundation logo

The floods of November 2021 had a devastating impact on communities across Whatcom County, especially Sumas. Among the flood-damaged buildings is the Sumas Library where equipment, furniture, shelving, books and other materials were destroyed. In response to community interest, Whatcom County Library Foundation has established the Sumas Library Recovery Fund, www.wcls.org/sumasrecovery, to pay for the … Read more

WCLS offers HeritageQuest Online for Home Use

Heritage Quest logo

The Whatcom County Library System is adding a new genealogy resource to our collection of digital resources. HeritageQuest Online is a comprehensive collection of genealogical sources for more than 60 countries dating back to as early as the 1700s. HeritageQuest complements our more robust Ancestry resources, which will revert to in-library-use only effective Jan. 1, … Read more