WCLS staff create booklists and events, write book reviews, and share resources that center diverse voices and experiences because we believe the library belongs to everyone and everyone belongs at the library. We affirm our organizational commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion as described in our Diversity Statement and reiterate the library’s role as a space for conversation, growth and understanding. We believe that centering the voices of communities that have traditionally been marginalized furthers our commitment. We invite you to use these resources to learn more and to celebrate our neighbors living in Whatcom County, the nation and the world.
FEATURED BOOKLIST
MORE BOOKLISTS
 | Black Culture and History Including fiction, nonfiction and media, this list of works by Black creators collects 2025-2026 releases that shine a light on Black culture, history, and experiences. |
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 | Whatcom READS 2026: Solito The 2025 Whatcom READS selection is Solito: A Memoir. Solito is the story of author Javier Zamora's harrowing journey from El Salvador to reunite with his parents in the United States when he was just nine years old. Borrow the book, eBook, or eAudiobook, then join the conversation at a variety of community events, including talks and workshops with author Javier Zamora. The books in this list will help you further explore experiences and topics related to Solito: migration memoirs, the United States-Mexico border, Latino history and culture, and more. |
 | Indigenous titles to check out! Various indigenous titles to pick up |
 | New Literature in Translation Read internationally with short stories and novels that span genres, continents, and writing styles! Many were international bestsellers or award-winners in their original language before being published in English. |
 | Reading Andrea Gibson and Friends Celebrated poet Andrea Gibson passed away on July 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Together with their body of work, Gibson's role as a mentor, activist, and Poet Laureate of Colorado touched the lives of so many writers and readers. This list includes Gibson's poetry, anthology projects, and work by their many collaborators and friends. |
 | Celebrate Hispanic & Latine Heritage with Cookbooks The delicious flavors of Hispanic and Latin American cooking are celebrated in these vibrant recipe collections. Whether you're an experienced home cook or a beginner, these beautiful cookbooks will inspire you! |
 | Asian Historical Fiction Historical fiction from the Asian diaspora often draws on authors' family heritage to explore pivotal moments in history--and themes like war, colonialism, and identity--from a unique cultural perspective. |
 | The Military Experience Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who have died while serving in the United States military, pausing, reflecting, and expressing gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Learn more about the experiences of those who serve by checking out one of these memoirs. |
 | Black Poets and Essayists Explore the rich contributions of these Black poets and essayists writing about their experiences with everything from fatherhood to their relationship with nature to the impacts of racism on their lives and on Black lives throughout history. |
 | Black History in Fiction Explore Black History Month through these eclectic novels that take place in historical settings ranging from ancient Africa through the Civil War and Civil Rights era and evoke the legacies of Black history and culture. |
 | Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr Martin Luther King Jr was a crucial leader in the Civil Rights Movement in America, fighting for justice and equality. Honor Dr King's legacy with these resources about his life and the impact of his work. |
 | Debut Fall Fiction 2024 Explore these captivating debut novels and you might just find your next favorite author! |
 | Hispanic Heritage Month: New Fiction Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these engaging new novels by Hispanic and Latino authors! |
 | Disability Pride In July we remember that disability impacts all of us. More than 1 in 4 Americans have some type of disability, whether visible, invisible, or a combination of the two. Celebrate the work of disabled advocates, activists and authors with these nonfiction books.Month |
 | The Magic of Japan Explore Japan and its unique culture with books about travel, mythology, fashion, and traditional Japanese ways of being. |
 | Read with Pride: New Nonfiction Celebrate Pride Month with these newly published nonfiction books, memoirs, and poetry collections by LGBTQIA+ writers. |
 | Music Meets Poetry Explore the Middle East's deep poetic history with poetry both ancient and contemporary. |
| MIddle Eastern Poetry Explore the Middle East's deep poetic history with poetry both ancient and contemporary. |
 | Understanding Autism April is Autism Acceptance Month. Celebrate with these books that explore the wide range of perspectives, experiences, and challenges within the autistic community. |
 | Cozy Fiction in Translation Short and sweet, these translated novels deliver the cozy vibes for a heartwarming and reflective reading experience. |
 | If You Liked Red Paint These memoirs, essays, and poetry collections draw from similar themes as Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe’s candid, lyrical memoir: family history, healing from trauma, and the power of language. |
 | Coast Salish Culture and Stories Coast Salish peoples have called this area home since time immemorial. These books recognize the Puget Sound's indigenous history and celebrate the work that modern artists, poets, and thought leaders do to honor Coast Salish culture. |
 | Historical Fiction from Black Authors Full of interesting settings and characters, these works of historical fiction from Black authors transport readers to the past for an immersive reading experience. |
 | Native Author or Contributor There’s a lot of material available about Native American/Indigenous People, but not all of it is by Native People. In this list you’ll find material made by people from across Native America. |
 | Fiction from the Equator Keep on the sunny side with fiction from equatorial countries. These novels are written by authors from South America, Africa, and island nations in between. |
BOOK REVIEWS
Book Buzz: Lovers in Auschwitz
Lovers In Auschwitz: A True Story by Keren Blankfeld Journalist Keren Blankfeld’s debut work, “Lovers in Auschwitz,” is a gripping biographical account of two survivors who found an unlikely romance in the darkest of places. The book follows Zippi Spitzer and David Wisnia, two young prisoners who found solace in each other before the war’s … Read more
Book Buzz: Kin
Kin by Tayari Jones Tayari Jones’ 2018 novel An American Marriage was a bestseller, an award-winner and an Oprah Book Club Pick, and readers have been eagerly awaiting her next book ever since. Happily Jones returns in 2026 with Kin, another richly crafted story that blends themes of fate and the power of individual choice. Annie and Niecy are “cradle friends” from small-town Louisiana. The girls have each been raised by … Read more
Book Buzz: Endling
Endling by Maria Reva Jan. 30’s news of a temporary ceasefire and the possible admittance of Ukraine into the European Union is a necessary reminder that the Russian War on Ukraine continues, despite significant domestic and international distractions. Maria Reva’s novel “Endling” takes us back to February 2022, when Russia first launched its full-scale invasion, … Read more
Book Buzz: Spread Me
Spread Me by Sarah Gailey On a far-flung desert planet, research station life follows a predictable routine: days are for analyzing samples and tracking sandstorms. Nights are for drinking games and romantic entanglements. Or at least, that’s how the rest of the team lets off steam—head researcher Kinsey chose this assignment specifically for the isolation. As a desert storm appears on the horizon, they discover the body of an alien lifeform buried in the sand. Kinsey breaks protocol … Read more
Book Buzz: Sunbirth
Sunbirth by An Yu In the desert town of Five Poems Lake, a young woman tries to live a peaceful life of routine despite her circumstances. Twelve years ago, her parents disappeared one by one: only her father’s body was found. Her loss was overshadowed when the sun began to disappear from the sky a sliver at a time. Since then, the locals who remain have acclimated to the colder … Read more