Big in Sweden by Sally Franson Paulie Johannson is a lovable hot mess. She’s 35, going through the motions at an unrewarding job as a college admissions coach in Minneapolis, wondering if her sweet but slightly dull computer programmer boyfriend Declan is “the one,” and nearly resigned to the fact that an exciting career as a … Read more
Spirit Whales & Sloth Tales: Fossils of Washington State by Elizabeth A. Nesbitt In “Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales: Fossils of Washington State,” Elizabeth A. Nesbitt and David B. Williams offer a captivating popular-level paleontological journey through the ancient natural history of our state. The fossil record guides the reader through this journey, as the … Read more
Cabin: Off-the-grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman by Patrick Hutchison Warmer weather and longer days are an invitation to take up home renovation projects, and weekend warrior homeowners often lean into YouTube videos and DIY books checked out from the library for guidance. If you’ve experienced home renovations that go sideways or take much more … Read more
Whatcom County Library System’s summer calendar (June-August) is loaded with free events for families, teens, kids and kids at heart. Headline events include the library system’s popular Summer Reading program and Whatcom Grooves, a series of summer concerts. See the full list of Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) summer programs, register for events and confirm … Read more
The Pacific Northwest Disaster Guide by Henry Latourette Miller (illustrated by Jeff Parker) In the past few years, Pacific Northwest communities have experienced catastrophic flooding, landslides, wildfires and damage from severe wind. As close as it is to Whatcom County communities, a Mount Baker eruption would be cataclysmic. And there is the hulking threat of The … Read more
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
The Names by Florence Knapp The baby is to be named Gordon. Her husband insists on it. Gordon is his name, and the son should be named after his father. And Cora knows that she must obey her husband’s instructions. Years of abuse have taught her the consequences if she does not. Yet she cannot … Read more
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
A conversation with Mary Kinser, Jonathan Jakobitz, Emma Radosevich and Hana Boxberger, Washington Library Association’s 2025 Candace Morgan Intellectual Freedom Award Winners for their work in developing a Right to Read training for WCLS staff. Washington Library Association 2015 Merit Award Winners American Library Association Library Bill of Rights Freedom to Read Statement Five Core … Read more
As part of its April 6-12 National Library Week celebrations, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Golden Apple Educator Awards. The honorees are Natalia Burke, middle school librarian at Lynden Christian School; Tammy Immer, administrative assistant to the principal, Beach Elementary School, Ferndale School District; and Jordan … Read more