WCLS welcomes author Erica Bauermeister for third annual Read & Share

Read & Share logo

Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) staff selected the book for their third annual Read & Share program during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were working from home offices. Home and family were top-of-mind when they chose author Erica Bauermeister’s memoir, House Lessons: Renovating a Life. Now, library staff invite the community to join a countywide … Read more

WCLS wins prestigious library marketing award

Photo of WCLS Community Relations team

The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is one of eight winners of the 2021 John Cotton Dana Award, which honors outstanding library public relations campaigns. Managed by the American Library Association, the prestigious professional honor includes a $10,000 grant from the H.W. Wilson Foundation. WCLS won for its 2020 Library Card Sign-Up Month campaign, a … Read more

WCLS’ Carmi Parker honored as national library leader

Photo of Carmi Parker

Whatcom County Library System employee Carmi Parker has been selected as one of 46 national library leaders in Library Journal’s 19th annual Movers & Shakers awards. The prestigious honor shines a light on individuals who are advancing the library field. Parker, who administers the library system’s catalog and patron database, was recognized as an advocate … Read more

Anthology features poems by 74 Whatcom County teenagers

A Forest of Words cover art shows a collage of faces by teen artist Siena Stiles.

The Youth Services department of the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is celebrating the publication of A Forest of Words: 2021 Whatcom County Teen Poetry Anthology. A Forest of Words is an annual publication that includes poems from Whatcom County teens in 6th through 12th grades. WCLS invites students to submit their poetry to their … Read more

Libraries kick off annual Summer Reading program

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 … Read more

WCLS partners with Law Advocates to offer free legal help for county residents

The Whatcom County Library System is partnering with Law Advocates to connect Whatcom County residents with free legal help regarding civil law questions. Residents may schedule virtual consultations with lawyers from their homes or at select county library buildings. Virtual appointments are currently available at Deming, Ferndale, Lynden and South Whatcom libraries 1-4 p.m. on alternate … Read more

Volunteers needed to serve on Birch Bay Library Capital Facility Area committees

To prepare a Birch Bay Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) ballot measure for the November 2021 election, Whatcom County Library System seeks volunteers to be appointed to two committees as required by law.  If approved, the LCFA will support the construction of a library in Birch Bay. One committee, to be known as the “For” … Read more

Teen artists featured in annual publication

Whatcomics 2021 cover art

The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is celebrating talented young artists in the community with the release of its 15th annual teen art anthology, Whatcomics. Teens submit artwork in many styles including pen and ink, colored pencil, paint, and digital art. The program is coordinated by WCLS Teen Services Coordinator Tamar Clarke and promoted county-wide. … Read more