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
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 | 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. |
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 | 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: Homeseeking
Homeseeking by Karissa Chen This sweeping epic examines themes of displacement, identity and loss through the lives of a couple separated by war and circumstance. Suchi and Haiwen meet as children in pre-WWII Shanghai. Their connection is instant and intense, and friendship eventually blossoms into love. But Shanghai is gripped by occupation and political upheaval, … Read more
Book Buzz: The Berry Pickers
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters We’re several months away from berry season here in Whatcom County but that shouldn’t deter you from reading Amanda Peters’ thoughtful debut novel “The Berry Pickers,” which won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and topped many “best of the year” lists. The book opens during the summer of … Read more
Book Buzz: We Are Not Strangers
We Are Not Strangers: A Graphic Novel by Josh Tuininga Growing up in Seattle, Josh Tuininga tagged along with his grandfather to Pike Place Market, where they shopped at a Japanese seafood market. He wondered why his papoo, the son of Sephardic Jewish immigrants from Turkey, knew entire Japanese families by name. Using family stories … Read more
Book Buzz: All Our Ordinary Stories
All Our Ordinary Stories: A Multigenerational Family Odyssey by Teresa Wong When she was a kid, Teresa Wong quit Chinese lessons to watch Saturday morningcartoons. She had no idea how her choice would ripple into the future. As an adult, shelooks back on a childhood spent translating for her immigrant parents and wonders: islanguage to … Read more
Book Buzz: Staff Favorites 2024
James by Percival Everett (reviewed by Mary Kinser, collection development librarian)A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through Medieval Eyes by Anthony Bale (reviewed by Emma Radosevich, collection development librarian)The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera (reviewed by Paul Fullner, Everson and Sumas branch manager)Held by Anne Michaels (reviewed by Mary Vermillion, community relations … Read more