Book Buzz: The Ministry of Time

Cover image for "The Ministry of Time" by Kaliane Bradley

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley “The Ministry of Time” is not like other romance novels. It’s more of a mashup: science fiction time travel meets spy novel lite with some history, romance and a dash of spice. The protagonist is an unnamed young woman eager to rise through the ranks of the UK … Read more

Book Buzz: The Art Thief

Cover image for "The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession" by Michael Finkel

The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel Stéphane Breitwieser is perhaps the most prolific art thief of all-time. He committed over 200 heists throughout Western Europe, purloining an art collection with an estimated value of $2 billion. Working both solo and in conjunction with his partner, Anne-Catherine, Breitwieser’s heists … Read more

Book Buzz: New Cookbooks with Local Connections

Cover images of "Genuine Skagit Cooking," "Forage. Gather. Feast" and "The Meateater Outdoor Cookbook."

Genuine Skagit Cooking: Over 45 Recipes from the Heart of Skagit Valley by Blake Van Roekel and Stefanie LeJeunesseForage. Gather. Feast. 100+ Recipes from West Coast Forests, Shores & Urban Spaces by Maria FinnThe MeatEater Outdoor Cookbook: Wild Game Recipes for the Grill, Smoker, Campstove, and Campfire by Steve Rinella The Pacific Northwest is blessed … Read more

Spanish-language phone line connects patrons with library and community resources

A new Spanish-language phone line further expands Whatcom County Library System’s outreach to the local Hispanic community. When patrons call the phone line, Spanish-speaking library staff members answer. They can assist with library-related questions and refer callers to other community resources. The Spanish-language phone line number is (360) 305-3638.   WCLS Hispanic Cultural Liaisons Diana Antaño … Read more

Ep. 52: Whatcom READS: Claire McElroy & Wes Weddell

Bushwick Book Club of Seattle logo and cover of No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister

Claire McElroy and Wes Weddell tell us about a new addition to the Whatcom READS author visit: MUSIC inspired by the book, performed by local musicians and organized by the Bushwick Book Club of Seattle! Bushwick Book Club musicians who will be performing their musical interpretations of No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister on March … Read more

WCLS hosts 11 budget listening sessions at locations across the county and online

Whatcom County Library System logo

Whatcom County Library System staff are hosting 11 public listening sessions in February and March at county library branches and online to review the library system’s budget. The meetings are open to all community members. Following multiple years of significant and sustained inflation coupled with increasing demand for library services, WCLS began accessing reserve funds … Read more

Book Buzz: The Cat Who Saved Books

Cover image of "The Cat Who Saved Books" by Sosuke Natsukawa

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa “The Cat Who Saved Books,” a translated work by author Sosuke Natsukawa, uses magical realism to reflect on the role of literature for the greater good of society. Natsukawa deftly blends realism and the fantastical to create an endearing story about finding new meaning in life after … Read more

Book Buzz: Book and Dagger

Cover image for "Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II" by Elyse Graham

Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II by Elyse Graham  Mention the word “spy” and most people picture an action hero, not a professor combing through dusty archives. Yet that is exactly who extracted the intelligence necessary for the Allies to win World War II: librarians and … Read more