Library Information and Resources

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Read. Think. Create. Summer Reading 2020. Get Inspired.

Read the latest updates on services available at your library.

ALERT: During Phase 2, library buildings are not open to the public. Instead we are offering Curbside Holds Pickup Service. Branch book returns are open during regular library hours. Need help? Call library staff Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm; Sat: 10am-5pm; Sun: 1pm-5pm at 360-305-3600. Click for more information.

Welcome! While our buildings are closed, your Library card gives you access to curbside pickup plus a world of digital content. Visit the Digital Content page or links below to discover all we have to offer. You will need a WCLS library card to use these resources – get a library card today! Visit the Phase 2 page for updates regarding library services.

HELP! FROM WHATCOM LIBRARIES

People throughout the county are facing challenges unlike any before. Citizen have concerns about the basic necessities of life, such as employment, housing, health, food, and internet access. Your public library, Whatcom County Library System is ready to help. We are offering printable, concise resource guides to help you and your family. Reliable, authoritative, and trustworthy information is what you need to navigate through life. Read online or request a mailed resource guide now.
Visit Help! from Whatcom Libraries.

WCLS STAFF@HOME VIDEOS ON YouTube

View more videos on YouTube

WCLS DIGITAL BOOKS AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW

CHILDREN

Search for eBooks and eAudiobooks for children.

TEENS

Search for eBooks and eAudiobooks for teens.

ADULTS

Search for eBooks and eAudiobooks for adults.

WCLS DIGITAL RESOURCES
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DIGITAL CONTENT…

NEW!

About CreativeBug

CreativeBug gives you unlimited access to thousands of online art and craft classes.

About WA Anytime Library

Washington Anytime Library is our collection of electronic books (eBooks) and electronic audio books (eAudioBooks). Using the Overdrive website or the Libby app, you can place holds, check out and read or listen to your books all from your computer, smart phone, tablet or eBook device.

About Kanopy

Kanopy is an award-winning video streaming service providing access to more than 30,000 independent and documentary films ─ titles of unique social and cultural value from The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, Media Education Foundation, and thousands of independent filmmakers.

About NewsBank

Newsbank gives you access to current and archival newspapers from around the US and the world including local newspapers.

About RB Digital

RBDigital Digital Magazines gives you access to more than 2,100 current magazines from the US and countries all around the world. Dig into The Atlantic, GQ, Glamour, National Geographic, The New Yorker and more.

About ChiltonLibrary

ChiltonLibrary is the ultimate resource for vehicle maintenance and repair.

About Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works to inform purchase decisions.

About Ancestry Library

Ancestry Library is now available to use for in-home use. Explore your genealogy and family history with this extensive collection of records and resources.

About Mango

Mango Languages provides online language lessons with easy, intuitive interactive tools to deliver practical conversational skills and valuable cultural insight for over 70 languages.

WCLS DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND KIDS

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR EARLY YEARS, KIDS, TEENS AND ADULTS

EARLY YEARS

Title
25 Live Nature Cams
Audible Free Audiobooks for Kids and Teens
Cincinnati Zoo Showcases Animals on Facebook Live
Get Moving and Practice Mindfulness with GoNoodle
Keep Your Kids Engaged with TumbleBooks
Popular Actors Read to Your Kids at StoryLine Online
Sing with Our Kids
YMCA Home Fitness Class Videos for Free

Online resources will return shortly

KIDS

Title
25 Live Nature Cams
Audible Free Audiobooks for Kids and Teens
Children’s Book Council Dramatic Readings by Children’s Authors (YouTube).
Cincinnati Zoo Showcases Animals on Facebook Live
COVID-19 Zine Diaries Project
Explore Art, History, and Foreign Places
Explore Mars with the Curiosity Rover
Ferndale Chess Coach Randy Kaech offers K-12 online chess club
Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum (GSSC)
Get Moving and Practice Mindfulness with GoNoodle
Harry Potter Digital Escape Room
Keep Your Kids Engaged with TumbleBooks
Kids Environment, Kids Health
Popular Actors Read to Your Kids at StoryLine Online
Story Time from Space
Stuck at Home Science Projects
The Big List of Children’s Authors Doing Online Read-Alouds & Activities
YMCA Home Fitness Class Videos for Free

TEENS

Title
25 Live Nature Cams
Audible Free Audiobooks for Kids and Teens
Cincinnati Zoo Showcases Animals on Facebook Live
Ferndale Chess Coach Randy Kaech offers K-12 online chess club
Game or Draw: How to draw Spiderman
Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum (GSSC)
Harry Potter Digital Escape Room
Khan Acadamy and Disney offer “Imagineering in a Box”
Popular Actors Read to Your Kids at StoryLine Online
Study Hall: Presented by Arizona State University and Crash Course
Today’s Front Pages from Around the World
TumbleBooks is not just for Young Kids (Teen Resources)
WECU presents The National Financial Bee
YMCA Home Fitness Class Videos for Free

ADULTS

Title
Cincinnati Zoo Showcases Animals on Facebook Live
Comcast Internet Essentials offered for free to new customers
Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19 from the Washington State Dept. of Financial Institutions
Free Meals for Kids at Schools
Harry Potter Digital Escape Room
Kanopy Credit-Free Viewing
NovelEffects Remote LearningRead Aloud resources
Peoples’ Perspectives: COVID-19 in Whatcom County
Popular Actors Read to Your Kids at StoryLine Online
Study Hall: Presented by Arizona State University and Crash Course
The Great Courses: An Introduction to Infectious Diseases 24 lecture video course
The National Federation of Independent Business Coronavirus Information
Whatcom Mask Collective Facebook Group
YMCA Home Fitness Class Videos for Free

LATEST NEWS

Let’s Practice: ReadingSeptember 30, 2020
Let’s Practice: SingingSeptember 29, 2020
Let’s Practice: TalkingSeptember 28, 2020
Book Buzz: MigrationsSeptember 22, 2020
Book Buzz: WarlightSeptember 22, 2020

COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) INFORMATIONAL WEBSITES

Whatcom County Health Department
(including fact sheets in Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese)
Washington State Department of Health
has set up a call center to answer questions about coronavirus in Washington State, how it is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms:
1-800-525-0127 (press #).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Interactive Dashboard (real time information on reported cases)

CONTACT US FORM
Click here to submit a question

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long will the libraries be closed to the public?

All WCLS buildings are closed to the public during Phase 2. But we are offering curbside pick up of library materials as well as extensive digital resources and inspiring online events. We are following expert guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This status applies to all WCLS branches in Whatcom County.

What library services are available during the building closures?

While our buildings are closed, we are offering curbside pickup of library materials. Your Library card also gives you access to a world of digital content and other services, including Mango Languages, Kanopy streaming video, Tumblebooks for Kids and Teens, and RB Digital magazines.

We are adding more eBooks and eAudiobooks to our collection regularly. And our partner vendors are stepping up with great new content. Visit the digital content page to see what’s new.

In addition, library staff are available by phone (your local
branch or 360.305.3600), online chat and email to help you with research questions, book recommendations, and assistance signing up for a card or accessing services. We are also creating original, educational content and online events to keep readers engaged. Watch our social media and website for updates.

You should also know:

ConnectED resources remain available for students.

Meeting room reservations are cancelled or postponed. Room reservations are not being accepted until further notice.

How do I stay up-to-date on library services?

Our website (www.wcls.org) will have the most up-to-date and complete information. We’ll also share updates via social media. Please follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wclslibraries/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/wclslibraries), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wclslibraries/).

What do I do with my library materials when I’m done with them?

Please return materials to book drops at the branches. We are not accepting book donations at this time.

Can I submit “Can’t Find It” requests during the library building closure?

Yes! However, request fulfillment may take considerably longer than usual. Thanks for your patience.

Is wifi still available outside the library branches?

There has been no change to wifi service.

Can I sign up for a library card online?

Yes! It’s quick and easy. Visit www.wcls.org/getacard. If you need help, please call, email or ask us via online chat.

I miss the library. How can I help?

Thank you! We appreciate your support and miss seeing you, too. You can stay engaged with the library via social media. There you can engage with our discussions, including sharing book recommendations and discovering new library services. You can also help by telling your friends about library services.