The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens To most people, Hana Babić is an unassuming librarian, easily overlooked. Only her friend Amina knows the truth: that Hana is a survivor of the war in Bosnia who garnered a fierce reputation as a militia fighter following an unspeakable personal tragedy. After fleeing Bosnia, Hana cast aside her … Read more
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
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
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
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
We Are Not Strangers: A Graphic Novel by Josh Tuininga Growing up in Seattle, Josh Tuininga tagged along with his grandfather to Pike Place Market, where they shopped at a Japanese seafood market. He wondered why his papoo, the son of Sephardic Jewish immigrants from Turkey, knew entire Japanese families by name. Using family stories … Read more
All Our Ordinary Stories: A Multigenerational Family Odyssey by Teresa Wong When she was a kid, Teresa Wong quit Chinese lessons to watch Saturday morningcartoons. She had no idea how her choice would ripple into the future. As an adult, shelooks back on a childhood spent translating for her immigrant parents and wonders: islanguage to … Read more
TRANSCRIPT 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 … Read more
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
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