WCLS in Whatcom County presents Library Stories

Ep. 15: Blooper Reel

You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs. And we couldn't make our podcast without breaking out in laughter. As an end-of-year reward to our faithful listeners, we present some of our broken eggs. Here's to many more omelettes in 2022!

Ep. 14: Flood in Sumas

On Sunday, November 14, 2021, the Nooksack River flooded communities throughout Whatcom County. Hardest hit was the city of Sumas with some estimates saying 75 to 85% of homes affected. The Sumas Library had up to 24 inches of water in the building but thanks to the resourcefulness of Sumas and Everson Library staff, much of the collection and equipment was saved from destruction. WCLS staff members, Cayla Samms, Paul Fullner, Deborah Morgan and Lisa Gresham talk about their experiences protecting and salvaging books and materials at the Sumas Library during and after the flood.

If you need help or support or if you are looking to volunteer or donate to help the flood victims, visit our Community Resources page.

See episode notes, photos and videos about the flood on our Podcast page at https://www.wcls.org/podcast/

Ep. 13: Sarah Miller and Marv Waschke

Interlibrary Loan Specialist Sarah Miller talks about how she borrows books from other libraries to loan to our patrons. And Marv Waschke, President of the WCLS Board of Trustees talks about everything from My Friend Flicka to Palaces for the People to social cohesion to what a hay mow is.

Visit wcls.org/podcast for show notes and links.

Episode 12: Melanie May and Nancy Pearl (Part 2)

WCLS Collection Development Librarian Mary Kinser returns to interview Blaine Library patron and supporter, Melanie May, who tells us all the ways the library has been an important part of her life and her family. 

Also it's time for part 2 of Executive Director Christine Perkins' conversation with America's Librarian, Nancy Pearl. Stories and book recommendations galore in this reunion of old friends. 

Visit wcls.org/podcast for show notes and links.

Episode 11: Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock and Nancy Pearl (Part 1)

WCLS Collection Development Librarian Mary Kinser interviews Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, author of Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town and The Smell of Other People's Houses.

And we welcome "America's Librarian" Nancy Pearl, winner of the National Book Foundation's 2021 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. Part one of this interview brings a surprise guest to chat with Nancy.

Visit wcls.org/podcast for show notes and links.

Episode 10: Riley Sweeney and Clyde Ford

Local author Clyde Ford stops in to talk about Think Black, Dr. Ford's memoir of his father which recently won the 2021 Washington Center for the Book Award in the Creative Nonfiction category. Also, City of Ferndale Communications Officer, Riley Sweeney discusses his role as "Roving Reporter" during Library Card Sign-up Month.  

Episode 9, Library Card Sign-up Month & Mary Kinser and Emma Radosevich recommend books

We hear part two of my interview with Mary Vermillion about Library Card Sign-up Month and then we do a speed round of book recommendations with our Collection Development Librarians Mary Kinser and Emma Radosevich. Also the Library of Things and more. 

Note: no math was used in the recording of this episode.

Episode 8: Carmi Parker and Mary Vermillion - eBook Boycott and Library Cards

Our ILS Administrator Carmi Parker won a Movers and Shakers award from the ALA for coordinating a boycott of Macmillan Publishers and taking a stand for patron access to eBooks and eAudiobooks. Then we talk to Mary Vermillion about Library Card Sign-up Month. Get a card today at wcls.org/getacard/

Episode 7: Katrina Carabba and Erica Bauermeister - Read & Share

Deming Library Manager Katrina Carabba takes us on a tour of the Deming Library and the Library Learning Garden and we solve the Deming Duckling Mystery. WCLS Collection Services Manager Lisa Gresham interviews upcoming Read & Share author Erica Bauermeister about her memoir House Lessons: Renovating a Life.

Episode 6: Pt 2 of Christine Perkins and Alexa Andrews interviews. Birch Bay and Everson

Our second half of interviews with Executive Director Christine Perkins and Sumas and Everson Manager Alexa Andrews. We talk about the Birch Bay community effort to build a library and the strong connection to local history in Everson. Also two more book reviews. And we learn where your host spent his vacation. (Spoiler: it's at the library, but which library?)