Read and Share. Read Leif Whittaker's book, My Old Man and the Mountain, and check out the author events at your library this fall.

What does a library system want for its 75th birthday? A good book, of course! And you’re invited to read along. To celebrate 75 years of sharing stories, WCLS created Read & Share, a countywide book group.

Join us as we read Leif Whittaker’s gripping memoir, My Old Man and the Mountain. Learn what it’s like to grow up in the shadow of a legendary father—the first American to summit Mount Everest—and hear Leif share his story at special events this fall. Then, explore the book’s themes of adventure and ambition at inspiring presentations that will introduce you to others who bravely met their own personal challenges.


Events with the Author:

My Old Man and the Mountain: Book talk/multimedia presentation

Leif shares photographs and film clips from modern and historic expeditions to Mount Everest. He combines stories from his own adventures in the Himalaya and his father’s legendary climb in 1963 to illustrate an inspiring and humorous talk about family, teamwork, risk, and perseverance.

Blaine Library
610 3rd Street
Blaine, WA 98230 

Lynden Library
216 4th Street
Lynden, WA 98264

Everson Library
104 Kirsch Drive
Everson, WA 98247

High and Hallowed: Everest 1963

This film is the deeper story of the greatest Himalayan climb in American mountaineering history. Film introduction and Q&A with Leif.

Ferndale Library
2125 Main Street
Ferndale, WA 98248

Celebrate Our Local Mountains

Leif shares his experience as a climbing ranger hiking in the North Cascades.

Deming Library
5044 Mt. Baker Hwy
Deming, WA 98244


Discuss My Old Man and the Mountain with library book groups:

Books on Tap (Deming)

Deming Library
Meeting Location: North Fork Brewery
6186 Mt. Baker Hwy

Books and Bites

Blaine Library
610 3rd Street
Blaine, WA 98230 

Books on Tap (South Whatcom)

South Whatcom Library
Meeting Location: El Agave 2,
4 Clubhouse Circle, S.V., Gate 2

Off the Shelf Book Club

South Whatcom Library
10 Barn View Court
Sudden Valley, Gate 2
Bellingham, WA 98229

Ferndale Book Group

Ferndale Library
2125 Main Street
Ferndale, WA 98248


Explore More:

The Mountain Runners Film Screening and Discussion

View The Mountain Runners followed by a Q&A session with the writer and producer of the film, Todd Warger, in this two-part program co-sponsored by the Sumas Community/Senior Center.

Sumas Library
461 2nd Street
Sumas, WA 98295

Everest Adventuring

Join us for a presentation about trekking in Nepal and Mount Everest.  We’ll discuss the book, My Old Man and the Mountain by Leif Whittaker.

Point Roberts Library
1431 Gulf Road
Point Roberts, WA 98281

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Amanda Stewart hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail as a solo female. Join Amanda as she shares tips on backpacking as well as inspiring photos and stories.

Ferndale Library
2125 Main Street
Ferndale, WA 98248

Thank you to the Whatcom County Library Foundation for supporting the Read and Share program.