WCLS in Whatcom County presents Library Stories

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.

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!

WCLS’s former Executive Director Joan Airoldi passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

Joan was our leader from 2002 to 2013.  She will be remembered as a Library Champion on a multitude of counts: establishing the Whatcom READS program in collaboration with partners at Whatcom Community College, advocating for new libraries in Ferndale, North Fork, South Whatcom, Island and Point Roberts and encouraging all of us to “Be Curious” and to “Listen, Learn & Lead”.  Joan’s courage in defending patrons’ rights to privacy earned her a national recognition with a PEN/Newman Award.  She generously donated the prize money to start the Whatcom County Library Foundation.

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. 

An interview with WCLS Jail Services PSA, Barry MacHale about the services we provide our incarcerated patrons. Originally produced for our All Staff Learning Day, this episode provides insight into how the WCLS mission of connecting information, ideas, and community is fulfilled through jail service.

Collections Manager Lisa Gresham takes us on a tour of her departments that she calls "The Life Cycle of a Book"

Sumas and Everson Library Manager Paul Fullner talks with long-time Sumas residents Carl Crouse and Penny Leenders about the devastating flood that occurred in Sumas one year ago. Carl has written a book called The Waters Are Rising: Stories of Inspiration and Hope from the Sumas, Washington Flood of November 2021 available in our library catalog here

We welcome new Ferndale branch manager Alix Prior and talk with Theresa and Sarah about the return to in-person Storytimes.

Whatcom County Library Foundation Development Director Jenn Rick tells us all about the Foundation and the wonderful things they do to support the library and the community.

Bellingham author Clyde Ford talks to WCLS Collection Development Librarian Mary Kinser about his award-winning memoir and our 2022 Read & Share title, Think Black, as well as his newest non-fiction book, Of Blood and Sweat: Black Lives and the Making of White Power and Wealth.