Ep.32: An Oral History of Whatcom READS
Ann McAllen, Linda Lambert, Chuck and Dee Robinson, Paul Hanson and Christine Perkins tell the origin story of Whatcom READS, now in its 15th year.
Book Buzz: 111 Places in Seattle That You Must Not Miss
111 Places in Seattle That You Must Not Miss by Harriet Baskas February and March can be challenging months here in the Pacific Northwest. Snow is on the ground as I write this, the temperature is freezing and it will be dark in a few hours. It’s a time when PNWers fantasize about trips to warmer … Read more
Book Buzz: The Cold Millions further reading
Whatcom READS season is in full swing, and now that you’ve had a chance to read Jess Walter’s novel “The Cold Millions,” you can dig deeper by availing yourself of library materials from public libraries and local higher-ed institutions. The Whatcom READS website links to a lengthy list of titles exploring topics mentioned in the book, such … Read more
Book Buzz: You Are Not Broken
You Are Not Broken: Stop “Should-ing” All Over your Sex Life by KJ Casperson Nestled between articles on China’s approach to COVID-19, Ukraine’s cyber-defense program and needle exchanges in New York City, the Dec. 3, 2022, edition of The Economist included a piece titled, “The wounds of silence.” The author compared modern discomfort about talking about … Read more
Book Buzz: Now Is Not the Time to Panic
Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson Many summers ago, Frankie was a bored teenager in a small town. Messing around with an old copy machine one afternoon, Frankie and her friend Zeke created a poster emblazoned with edgy illustrations and an enigmatic phrase. They hung copies up all over town anonymously, not … Read more
Book Buzz: Meredith, Alone
Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander You might think that just because Meredith has not left her house in 1,214 days, she’s lonely. Far from it! After all, Meredith has her jigsaw puzzles, her online support group, grocery delivery and her cat Fred. Oh, and the visits from the volunteer charity arranged by her friend Sadie. It’s … Read more
Book Buzz: Better Than We Found It
Better Than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save the World by Frederick and Porsche Joseph Intended as an introduction to topics of the day for a teen audience, adult readers of “Better Than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save the World” by Frederick and Porsche Joseph will appreciate this inspired examination of society’s most … Read more
Ep 31: Bringing books back to the Sumas Library
We talk to staff who are loading books onto the brand-new shelves of the newly remodeled Sumas Library after the flood of November, 2021 caused extensive damage. Bonus, find out who makes the best cinnamon rolls! The Waters are Rising: Stories of Inspiration and Hope from the Sumas, Washington Flood of November 2021
WCLS considers next steps for Birch Bay Library
At its Jan. 17 meeting, the Whatcom County Library System’s Board of Trustees learned the Washington State Department of Commerce has declined a scope change request related to state funding for the Birch Bay Library. The previously approved $2 million state grant remains available, but it cannot be used for the proposal that would have … Read more
”Thank you Joan Airoldi” Bonus Episode
So many people wanted to say thank you to former WCLS Executive Director Joan Airoldi, who passed away on December 3, 2022, that we created a special bonus episode to thank her.