WCLS in Whatcom County presents Library Stories

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?)

Episode 5: Executive Director Christine Perkins, Summer Reading with Theresa Morrison, Sumas Library with Alexa Andrews

Theresa Morrison pops in to tell us about Summer Reading programs, we interview Alexa Andrews about one of the libraries she manages and celebrate her MLIS degree, and we wrap up with a conversation with Christine Perkins, WCLS Executive Director who shares her backstory. Also some book recommendations.

Episode 4: Rika Lee Vanderhorst & Debby Farmer

Rika has worked for WCLS for 30 years, 24 of them on the Bookmobile. Debby has been the Blaine Library Manager for 18 years. Both speak enthusiastically about libraries and patrons and much more. Find out about our new bookmobile's name and what it means. Take a tour of the small (5400 square feet) but fully stocked library up in Blaine by the Sea. Learn just how much the job of librarian has changed since both of these women started their careers.

Episode 3: Liz Andre - South Whatcom and Emily Fullner - Friends Online Bookstore

In episode 3, we meet Liz Andre the Manager of the South Whatcom Library in Sudden Valley.  Liz takes us on a tour of the deceptively large library in the woods and we learn what she has in common with Charles Darwin. 

We also meet Emily Fullner, the President of the Friends of the Everson Library and one of the driving forces behind the new Friends Online Bookstore (wcls.org/friendsbooks)