Podcast 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. 

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. Barry MacHale at the Whatcom County Jail library

Collections Manager Lisa Gresham takes us on a tour of her departments that she calls “The Life Cycle of a Book” Thanks to Shari Sievers for the photos of just some of the 142 book carts at our Administrative Offices

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 The … Read more

We welcome new Ferndale branch manager Alix Prior and talk with Theresa and Sarah about the return to in-person Storytimes. “Listening children know stories are there. When their elders sit and begin, children are just waiting and hoping for one to come out, like a mouse from its hole.” – Eudora Welty

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. “A library is vibrant,And vital,And chatty,And interesting,And colorful.”– Jenn Rick “You can’t turn back the clock,but you can wind it up again”– Bonnie Prudden 

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. 

Historical Photos from the Washington Rural Heritage website Historical photos and documents of the North Fork Library at the Washington Rural Heritage website Historical photos and documents of the Glacier Library at the Washington Rural Heritage website Historical photos and documents of the Maple Falls Library at the Washington Rural Heritage website Book Recommendations Courage … Read more

Sarah Lavender talks about our Summer Reading plans and programs. And we get a handful of book recommendations from Sarah, Mary Vermillion and even your host, Neil! If you listen carefully, you can hear the birds singing. Summer is going to be really fun! Summer Reading at WCLS Explorations Summer Programs Books Mentioned in this … Read more

Update on the Sumas Library with Cayla Samms, Jonathan Jakobitz talks about events at Blaine Library and Emma and Marie talk about Young Adult fiction in a jam-packed episode. Donate to Sumas Library Recovery Fund Blaine Library Events Sumas Events Jonathan’s recommendations Barely Adulting Book Club