OUR WILDLY POPULAR FESTIVAL FOR READERS RETURNS

Open Book: A festival of readers. Sunday, November 9, noon to 5:00 p.m. Ferndale
 

OPEN BOOK: A Festival for Readers returns to the Ferndale Events Center on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026.
Celebrate readers, writers and bookish enthusiasm at this free event for all ages.

Generously sponsored by the Whatcom County Library Foundation
and enthusiastically presented by Whatcom County Library System and Village Books.

Listen to our Open Book 2026 Podcast episode!

 

OPEN BOOK MAIN STAGE

Donna Barba Higuera and her book, The Last Cuentista
DONNA BARBA HIGUERA
Emma Patee and her book, Tilt
EMMA PATTEE
six hands working on a jigsaw puzzle
SPEED PUZZLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Painted rocks on a beach with sea in background. Rocks say "Save the Date," "Nov 13-15," "Salish Sea Poetry Festival," and "Poetry to the People"
SALISH SEA POETRY FESTIVAL
Katie Bell, Nicole Diimmel, Dan Oliva and Melissa Tilson
GOLDEN APPLE RECIPIENTS, Katie Bell, Nicole Diimmel, Dan Oliva and Melissa Tilson

WCLS began the Golden Apple Educator Award in 2007 to honor the dedication of local teachers and school staff who connect students with library resources that further their growth and learning. Read about our 2026 recipients here.

See Main Stage Schedule
 

LOCAL AUTHORS

Marla K MorrowMarla K Morrow
Karen RabeKaren Rabe
Victoria SalisburyVictoria Salisbury
Susan Colleen BrowneSusan Colleen Browne
Robert LoprestiRobert Lopresti
Rain FordyceRain Fordyce
Peggy SullivanPeggy Sullivan
MaryAnn KohlMaryAnn Kohl
Kerry ClaireKerry Claire
Julie Salmon KelleherJulie Salmon Kelleher
Jeff BarclayJeff Barclay
Jason LaClairJason LaClair
Jack McKeeJack McKee
Erik JohnsonErik Johnson
Elizabeth Jane PryceElizabeth Jane Pryce
Alma AlexanderAlma Alexander
Keith NegleyKeith Negley
head shot photos of local authors appearing in Open Book 2026

Meet 17 local authors and hear about their stories and writing process. Copies of their books will be available for purchase. 

BOOKISH EXPERIENCES

A book lover’s dream day with books, authors, book talks, readings, hands-on literary experiences and book swag. Mingle with fellow readers, writers and library fans.

Plan Your Day!

MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE

12:20 pmWelcome
12:25 pmPoetry Minute with the Salish Sea Poetry Festival
12:30 pmGolden Apple Awards
12:55 pmPoetry Minute with the Salish Sea Poetry Festival
1:00 pmAuthor Donna Barba Higuera: Your Community, Your Stories
2:00 pmPoetry Minute with the Salish Sea Poetry Festival
2:05 pmBreak
2:20 pmFirst 500 Video
2:25 pmPoetry Minute with the Salish Sea Poetry Festival
2:30 pmAuthor Emma Pattee: Man Walks Alone with Gun: A Feminist Retelling of End-Time Narratives
4:00 pmSpeed Puzzling Contest

Designated accessible parking spaces close to the main entrance, ramp access, and accessible restrooms will be available. Live captioning (CART) will be provided for presentations at the main stage. To request an accommodation, please contact our ADA Compliance Officer at least 72 hours in advance at 360-305-3603, or email ADA@wcls.org. 

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Collage of photos from previous Open Book festival

See you there! Sunday, November 8, 12:00-5:00 P.M. at the Ferndale Events Center

Thank you to author/artist Keith Negley for creating Open Book illustrations.