WCLS in Whatcom County presents Library Stories

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/

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.

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?)

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.

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.

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)

In this episode, Youth Services Manager Thom Barthelmess and Children's Services Coordinator Tammy LaPlante get excited about Summer Reading activities. We learn about all the activities planned and we learn about how, whether you're a kid or adult, Summer Reading belongs to you!

We also meet and welcome our new Branch Manager for the North Fork Library, Katrina Buckman.

In Episode 1, you'll meet your host Neil McKay and his boss Mary Vermillion as they talk about what's in store for listeners. It's a fun and freewheeling 20 minute teaser involving ducklings, the history of beer, how we talk at cocktail parties, and our literary ice cream truck.   Visit our Library Stories Podcast webpage for notes, pictures and videos to enhance your podcast experience.