WCLS staff create booklists and events, write book reviews, and share resources that center diverse voices and experiences because we believe the library belongs to everyone and everyone belongs at the library. We affirm our organizational commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion as described in our Diversity Statement and reiterate the library’s role as a space for conversation, growth and understanding. We believe that centering the voices of communities that have traditionally been marginalized furthers our commitment. We invite you to use these resources to learn more and to celebrate our neighbors living in Whatcom County, the nation and the world.
FEATURED BOOKLIST
MORE BOOKLISTS
 | Hispanic Heritage Month: New Fiction Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these engaging new novels by Hispanic and Latino authors! |
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 | Disability Pride In July we remember that disability impacts all of us. More than 1 in 4 Americans have some type of disability, whether visible, invisible, or a combination of the two. Celebrate the work of disabled advocates, activists and authors with these nonfiction books.Month |
 | The Magic of Japan Explore Japan and its unique culture with books about travel, mythology, fashion, and traditional Japanese ways of being. |
 | Read with Pride: New Nonfiction Celebrate Pride Month with these newly published nonfiction books, memoirs, and poetry collections by LGBTQIA+ writers. |
 | Music Meets Poetry Explore the Middle East's deep poetic history with poetry both ancient and contemporary. |
| MIddle Eastern Poetry Explore the Middle East's deep poetic history with poetry both ancient and contemporary. |
 | Understanding Autism April is Autism Acceptance Month. Celebrate with these books that explore the wide range of perspectives, experiences, and challenges within the autistic community. |
 | Cozy Fiction in Translation Short and sweet, these translated novels deliver the cozy vibes for a heartwarming and reflective reading experience. |
 | If You Liked Red Paint These memoirs, essays, and poetry collections draw from similar themes as Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe’s candid, lyrical memoir: family history, healing from trauma, and the power of language. |
 | Coast Salish Culture and Stories Coast Salish peoples have called this area home since time immemorial. These books recognize the Puget Sound's indigenous history and celebrate the work that modern artists, poets, and thought leaders do to honor Coast Salish culture. |
 | Historical Fiction from Black Authors Full of interesting settings and characters, these works of historical fiction from Black authors transport readers to the past for an immersive reading experience. |
 | Native Author or Contributor There’s a lot of material available about Native American/Indigenous People, but not all of it is by Native People. In this list you’ll find material made by people from across Native America. |
 | Fiction from the Equator Keep on the sunny side with fiction from equatorial countries. These novels are written by authors from South America, Africa, and island nations in between. |
BOOK REVIEWS
Book Buzz: Beasts of a Little Land
Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim Juhea Kim’s debut novel, “Beasts of a Little Land,” is a historic epic about the Korean peninsula during the first half of the 20th century. Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea and its struggle for independence, this vast national story is conveyed primarily through the lives … Read more
Book Buzz: Little Rot
Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi Longtime couple Aima and Kalu should have been together forever, but a recent move to New Lagos, Nigeria revealed the cracks in their relationship. The night after their breakup, Aima goes dancing with party-girl friend, Ijendu, while Kalu heads to an exclusive sex party hosted by his best friend, Ahmed. … Read more
Book Buzz: The Pairing
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston Kit and Theo have been a lot of things to each other: childhood best friends, romantic partners, and now exes. They broke up four years ago after a trans-Atlantic fight en route to the food and wine tour of their dreams. In a twist of fate, they now find themselves … Read more
Book Buzz: The Library of Legends
The Library of Legends by Janie Chang Vancouver, British Columbia-based author Janie Chang is headlining Whatcom County Library System’s second Open Book: a Festival for Readers at the Ferndale Events Center on Nov. 3. Known for her rich historical fiction, Chang crafts family dramas, often weaving in Chinese culture. Her 2:30 p.m. talk at Open … Read more
Book Buzz: Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily R. Austin “Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead,” by Emily R. Austin opens a window on a uniquely Millennial/Gen Z experience. Gilda, the story’s protagonist, is a 20-something neurodivergent queer atheist whose anxiety makes it hard for her to hold down a job … Read more