Welcome to your reading community! On this page, you’ll find book recommendations and opportunities to join reading discussions. It’s more than just books we love … it’s the place for people who love books!
FEATURED BOOKLIST
MORE BOOKLISTS
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Summer affords plenty of opportunities to explore the wonders of the night sky. Whether you’re new to stargazing or have some experience, these resources will add to your enjoyment. |
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From locked-room mysteries to crimes of fashion, these action-packed thrillers will keep you glued to the page all summer long. |
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What makes a great beach read? According to Jennifer Weiner, the ideal beach read has a summery setting, a likeable lead, and a little bit of romance. We think these books fit the bill. |
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Dip into one of these fast-paced, heartwarming novels for some light summer reading. |
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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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Love it or hate it, technology is a part of our lives that is here to stay. With these resources you can learn how technology influences your daily reality, and find strategies to better manage your relationship with your devices. |
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Book Recommendations from TikTok These books are popular among creators on TikTok. Search #booktok for more recommendations from avid readers! |
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For Fans of Everything Everywhere All At Once The new movie Everything Everywhere All At Once is a multiverse story that’s full of pop culture references. Expand your film knowledge with these homage-worthy classics! |
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Everything: Books That Have a Lot Going On These books have a lot going on: intricate plots, Big Ideas, multiple timelines, and characters whose paths cross with each other in surprising ways. |
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Everywhere: Into the Multiverse! The fabric of space and time gets warped in these literary sci fi novels. Parallel universes, divergent timelines, and alternate realities all circle around the concept we call “the multiverse.” |
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All At Once: Love Across Space and Time These genre-bending novels blend romance tropes with elements of sci fi, fantasy, and historical fiction for love stories that transcend space and time. |
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Listen to one of these fast-paced thrillers during your next workout! |
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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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Looking to spice up your next seder? These cookbooks explore the vast world of Jewish cooking, with both traditional and innovative recipes from around the world. |
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Star Wars Day is May 4! Mark the day with these books, games and music that celebrate events in a galaxy far, far away. |
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If you like your fantasy and scifi novels a little more on the cozy side, these are the books for you. Curl up in one of these imaginative worlds and stay as long as you’d like. |
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Personal finance doesn’t have to be a mystery. These resources offer advice, guidance and support as you navigate decisions around money and investing. |
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April is Poetry Month. These recent collections offer a myriad of opportunities to reflect and consider the power of words to inspire and move us. |
STAFF REVIEWS
Book Buzz: Northwest Know-how: Beaches
Northwest Know-how: Beaches by Rena Priest Nature lovers and poetry enthusiasts have a couple of chances to meet a local treasure, Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest. Priest will be speaking about her latest book, “Northwest Know-How: Beaches” from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, June 10 at Village Books in Bellingham as part of the spring “Nature of Writing” … Read more
Book Buzz: Very Cold People
Very Cold People by Sarah Manguso If Edith Wharton wrote Ethan Frome in 1986, it might look like Very Cold People. Also set in a fictional Massachusetts town, Sarah Manguso’s first novel is a pithy coming-of-age story with a bleak outlook. Ruthie doesn’t know why her non-WASP family lives in Waitsfield– they can’t afford it … Read more
Book Buzz: The Swimmers
The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka At the community pool, obsessive lap swimmers adhere to a strict, unspoken social code. They stick to their lanes and keep an eye out for each other–especially Alice, who has been swimming laps here for 35 years. Her dementia doesn’t seem as big of a deal when she’s at the … Read more
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POWER OF SHARING BOOKLISTS
We’ve put together lists of books, magazines, digital resources and more to help with life’s big (or little) questions. You’ll find answers and inspiration within our broad collection of free materials – online and on our shelves. That’s the power of sharing.
COMMUNITY READS
The library system presents two great community reading programs: Whatcom READS and Read & Share.
Northwest Washington’s premier annual literary event, Whatcom READS celebrates reading, readers and strong communities through the shared experience of one book. The 2022-2023 selection is The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. Whatcom READS is hosted by all the public and academic libraries in Whatcom County and community partner Village Books. Learn more at whatcomreads.org.
Each fall, WCLS presents Read & Share, an annual countywide book club that features a non-fiction title by a regional author. The programs inspire conversation and connection among Whatcom County neighbors. The 2022 selection is Think Black by Clyde Ford.
PODCAST
WCLS in Whatcom County presents Library Stories
This twice-monthly show features book recommendations, conversations and interviews with library insiders, authors and community members. Tune in to laugh a little and learn a lot about library communities, staff, events, backrooms, happenings and, of course, books!
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