Thor Hanson is a Guggenheim Fellow, a Switzer Environmental Fellow and winner of the John Burroughs Medal. At Open Book, he will present “The Biology of Climate Change” and will answer your questions. His books include Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid, Buzz, The Triumph of Seeds, Feathers, and The Impenetrable Forest, as well as the illustrated children’s favorite, Bartholomew Quill. Thor’s work has been translated into a dozen languages and earned many accolades. He lives with his wife and son on an island in the Pacific Northwest.
Award-winning Poet Rena Priest
Rena Priest is an enrolled member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation. She served as the sixth Washington State Poet Laureate (2021-2023) and was named the 2022 Maxine Cushing Gray Distinguished Writing Fellow. Her debut collection, Patriarchy Blues, received an American Book Award. Her second collection, Sublime Subliminal, was published as the finalist for the Floating Bridge Press Chapbook Award. Her most recent book, Northwest Know-How: Beaches, includes poems, retellings of legends, and fun descriptions of 29 of the most beloved beaches in the Pacific Northwest.
Washington State Poet Laureate Arianne True
Arianne True (Choctaw, Chickasaw) is a queer poet and teaching artist from Seattle and has spent most of her work time working with youth. She’s received fellowships and residencies from Jack Straw, the Hugo House, Artist Trust, and the Seattle Repertory Theater, and is a proud alum of Hedgebrook and of the MFA program at the Institute of American Indian Arts. She lives near the Salish Sea with her cat. Arianne is the 2023-2025 Washington State Poet Laureate.
Author and Illustrator Phoebe Wahl
Phoebe Wahl is an award-winning children’s book author, illustrator, and surface designer whose work focuses on themes of comfort, fantasy, and intimacy with nature and one another. She grew up unschooled in Washington state and credits her free-range childhood in the Northwest for much of her inspiration and values. Her books include Sonya’s Chickens, Little Witch Hazel, The Blue House, Backyard Fairies, Paper Mice (written by Megan Wagner-Lloyd) and the recently published illustrated YA novel Phoebe’s Diary. Phoebe lives in Bellingham with her family and two rambunctious cats.
Local Authors Stage
Connect with local authors and to find inspiration for your own writing.
Village Books
You’ll find books and fun book swag for purchase!
Comics Place
Love Manga, comics and graphic novels? Swing by the Comics Place pop-up store.
Teen & Youth Stage
Poetry readings, open mics, writing activities — drop by to see what’s happening.
Other Activities
Fun activities all day that explore the world of books!
AT OPEN BOOK, YOU CAN:
Meet award-winning authors
Connect with fellow writers in the Local Author Room
Try your hand at letterpress printing courtesy of Bison Bookbinding
Tour the Bookmobile and WTA Whatcomics bus
Learn how to get your book published
Attend poetry readings
Relax in the Reading Lounge
Join a Book Club
Learn how to mend books
Interact with braille and talking books
Attend a Silent Disco
Gather reading recommendations
Browse and buy bookish gifts
Sign up here to receive Open Book updates and exclusive sneak peeks.
At the request of a key event participant, we ask attendees to avoid using strong fragrances.
PRIZE DRAWINGS
Online one-on-one Book Chat with America’s Librarian Nancy Pearl. Nancy will create a list of book recommendations just for you! Enter to win at the Whatcom Literacy Council booth.
Virtual Book Club Discussion with best-selling author Ross Gay. The beloved poet and essayist will meet online with your book club 3 p.m. PST Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. Enter to win at the Book Club booth.
Phoebe Wahl Book Collection signed by the author and illustrator. Enter to win at the Youth Stage.
But wait, there’s more! Enter to win a WCLS Sasquatch book bag at the Friends of the Library booth. Drop your name in for a chance to win a copy of Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe at the Whatcom READS booth.
Need not be present to win featured door prizes. Winners will be notified.
PRESENTED BY THE WHATCOM COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VILLAGE BOOKS AND THE WHATCOM COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATION
GETTING THERE
Ferndale Events Center 5715 Barrett Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248
Take exit 262 from I-5 Turn east onto W. Axton Road/Main St away from town Turn left (north) onto Barrett Road Turn left at “Event Center” sign Destination is at west end of parking lot
Ferndale Events Center
Request Accommodations
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact our ADA Compliance Officer at least 72 hours in advance so that we may make any needed accommodations. Phone 360-305-3603, or email ADA@wcls.org.
