Home » Whatcom READS

Whatcom READS

What it is

Whatcom READS is an annual opportunity for all of Bellingham and Whatcom County to read the same book and join together in conversation. It is organized by all the public and academic libraries in Bellingham and Whatcom County and our community partner, Village Books.

The vision and goal is to expand our community dialogue by encouraging neighbors talking with neighbors about great literature, important issues, and the joy of reading and sharing these experiences. This project thrives thanks to significant funding from Friends of the Bellingham Public Library and the Whatcom County Library Foundation, and support from other businesses and organizations.

How it works

Each year, a new book is selected by Whatcom READS organizers. Community members are encouraged to read or listen to the book, share it with family, friends, and book clubs, and participate in programs and special events that follow the themes in the book.

Each series culminates with a visit by the author of the selected book, who makes numerous free-of-charge presentations at locations throughout the county in early March.

Whatcom READS operates through a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a governing board that includes a representative from each partner organization, including the Bellingham Public Library.

2024 Book Selection – Red Paint: the Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk

More Information

More information about Whatcom READS, including a schedule of events, videos of past events, and much more, available on the Whatcom READS website.