Reader Raccoon has been the mascot of the Bellingham Public Library since 1989 when he helped celebrate Washington's Centennial. He founded Raccoon University: summer programming for kids at the library using community talent. He is a large and healthy specimen of the species Procyon Lotor Pacificus. He enjoys tree climbing, dancing, and sushi. Though not loquacious, he is of course a voracious reader.
Reader invites kids of all ages to keep their brains from turning to oatmeal this summer by choosing books at the library. He knows kids who read during the summer are better readers when they go back to school in the fall. Reader usually makes an appearance at the Jr. Ski to Sea Parade in May, the Children's Craft Fair in July and the Summer Reader Recognition Ceremony in August..