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
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Whether you’re looking to become a stronger ally to family and friends or to better understand the varied experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community, these resources offer perspective, insight and support. |
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Juneteenth: Resources for Adults Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is an American holiday celebrated annually on June 19th. Learn more about slavery, emancipation, and Juneteenth with these Black History resources. |
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Must-Read Fiction by Native Authors From thrillers to fantasy to literary fiction and more, these novels by Native American and First Nations authors explore a range of topics and provide plenty of page-turning reading. |
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Read the Rainbow! The LGBTQIA+ experience is far from monolithic, and these books explore the depth, instersectionality, and glory of being queer, including gay, bi, lesbian, trans, and nonbinary stories. |
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Racism and Antiracism: Learn More Now Reading is a place to start. To help build a deeper understanding of racism and its effects across the country and in our communities, we are increasing the number of anti-racism books in our collection. |
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Disability Pride Month is celebrated each year in July. Disability Pride has been observed since 1990, the year that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This month provides an opportunity for disabled people to share their stories and come together as a community, and for others to learn more about the experience of living with a disability. Check out these fiction and nonfiction works to learn more. |
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Black Authors of the Pacific Northwest Explore the fiction and nonfiction work of Black authors from our region. |
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These writers explore the experience of the Asian American diaspora, generational trauma, and`the complexities of living between two (or more!) cultures. |
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Asian American Families in Fiction Feeling homesick? Try one of these family-centric novels by Asian American authors about family businesses, family dynamics, and intergenerational tensions. |
LIBRARY EVENTS
Traditional Storytelling Event
Everson Library: Saturday, Sept. 30, 2:00-3:00 p.m. Sumas Library: Saturday, Oct. 14, 2:00-3:00 p.m. Storyteller and Nooksack Tribal Member Angela Letoi shares stories from her ancestors. This special program will include honored guest and elder storyteller Tammy Cooper-Woodrich.
Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos
Everson Library, Saturday, Oct. 28, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the Everson Library. Learn about the various ways that families honor the lives of their departed loved ones. Bring your family and friends and enjoy traditional snacks, drinks and crafts. All are welcome! Celebra el Día de los Muertos en … Read more
Canoe Journey 101: Leqáliqen Tl’áneq
DEMING LIBRARY: Thursday, Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. EVERSON LIBRARY: Saturday, Nov. 18, 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Leqáliqen: Travel by water; Tl’áneq: potlatch. Ever since the Paddle to Seattle in 1989, organized by the late Indigenous Leader Emmet Oliver (Dec. 2, 1913-Mar. 7, 2016), the annual Tribal Canoe Journey has gained more momentum every year. In July and August 2023, more than 120 canoes … Read more
BOOK REVIEWS
Book Buzz: Yellowface
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang “Bad Art Friend” meets psychological thriller in this pacy, satirical page-turner. June Hayward is a struggling author whose debut novel flopped. Her college friend, Athena Liu, is a bestselling author who just landed a Netflix deal. When Athena dies in an accident, June finds herself in possession of the secret manuscript … Read more
Book Buzz: American Mermaid
American Mermaid by Julia Langbein This splashy debut novel is part Hollywood satire, part girl-power eco-thriller. High school English teacher Penny moves to LA for the summer to adapt her bestselling novel into a movie. In Penny’s book, also called American Mermaid, protagonist Sylvia is an asexual engineer who discovers that her disability—she has chronic … Read more
Book Buzz: Much Ado About Nada
Much Ado About Nada by Uzma Jalalludin Canadian author Uzma Jalaluddin is known for contemporary romances that recast classic stories with fresh, modern settings and people. Her latest novel, Much Ado About Nada, is no exception. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Jalaluddin takes the Regency comedy of manners into the Muslim community in a glitzy … Read more
Book Buzz: Confidence
Confidence by Rafael Frumkin Ezra Green is a smart, bored high schooler who winds up in juvie for selling fake drugs to his classmates. It’s there he meets Orson: charming, ambitious, opportunistic. They become friends, then roommates, then business partners—though Ezra never gives up hope that their relationship will become something deeper. Their series of … Read more