Whatcom READS 2023

A Book Group For the Whole Community!

Whatcom READS is a county-wide program that encourages everyone to read and discuss the same book. It is organized by all the public and academic libraries in Bellingham and Whatcom County and us, their community partner. They receive significant funding from Friends of the Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library Foundation, and support from other local businesses and organizations. Your purchase with us helps to support the Whatcom READS programming since Village Books donates 10% of every sale of The Cold Milions to Whatcom READS.

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 neighbors, and participate in programs and special events that follow the book’s themes. Each series culminates with a visit by the author of the selected book, who makes numerous free-of-charge public presentations at locations throughout the county.

Whatcom READS operates in partnership through a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a governing board that includes a representative from each partner organization.

The History

Through all the books explored and authors hosted, their goal has been simple: creating an annual literary happening that gets people talking about great literature and sharing the joy of reading and discussing books.

Whatcom READS was modeled after the highly successful Seattle Reads program, which began in the late ’90s and became a national phenomenon. Communities large and small across the country now host similar programs to wide acclaim.

Thanks to the dedication of their partners, the generosity of contributing business and organizations, and some really excellent visiting authors, they have become the premier literary series in our area.

The Whatcom READS selection for 2023 is The Cold Millions by Jess Walter.

An intimate story of brotherhood, love, sacrifice, and betrayal set against the panoramic backdrop of an early twentieth-century America that eerily echoes our own time, The Cold Millions offers a  kaleidoscopic portrait of a nation grappling with the chasm between rich and poor, between harsh realities and simple dreams. 

Jess Walter is the author of six novels, including the bestsellers Beautiful Ruins and The Financial Lives of the Poets, the National Book Award finalist The Zero, and Citizen Vince, the winner of the Edgar Award for best novel. His short fiction has appeared in Harper's, McSweeney's, and Playboy, as well as The Best American Short Stories and The Best American Nonrequired Reading. He lives in his hometown of Spokane, Washington.

We have an exciting line-up of Whatcom READS events! Listen to Margaret Bikman's interview with Jess Walter on KMRE!

Wednesday, February 15, 7pm Whatcom READS: The IWW Today Yes, the Wobblies are alive and well. An organizer for the Whatcom-Skagit Industrial Workers of the World will discuss the current activity of the union, its goals and its principles. Hear about IWW union activity in the Pacific Northwest and around North America today. 

Sunday, February 19, 2pm in Lynden Whatcom WRITES: Group Reading, Between Fact and Fiction Each year, Whatcom WRITES invites writers of all ages and experience levels to explore a theme inspired by the current Whatcom READS book. Top entries are selected for publication in the Whatcom WRITES anthology. 

Sunday, February 26, 2pm in Fairhaven Whatcom WRITES: Group Reading, Between Fact and Fiction Each year, Whatcom WRITES invites writers of all ages and experience levels to explore a theme inspired by the current Whatcom READS book. Top entries are selected for publication in the Whatcom WRITES anthology. 

Thursday, March 2, 7pm Whatcom READS: Chuckanut Radio Hour at the Hotel Leo Join us in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hotel Leo for an evening of music, comedy, poetry, libations, and a conversation with Jess Walter! Village Books is proud to produce this event as part of the Whatcom READS author series. Jess Walter will be interviewed by Dave Tucker, current Secretary of the Whatcom-Skagit Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World.

Friday, March 3, 11am-12:30pm Whatcom READS: The Art & Craft of Writing with Jess Walter Join us in the Readings Gallery with Jess Walter and gain insight into the writing process as he discusses the art and craft of writing.

Friday, March 3, 7pm Whatcom READS: An Evening with Jess Walter Spend a fascinating evening with the author as he describes how he conceived and wrote The Cold Millions. The evening culminates with the announcement of the Whatcom READS 2024 book selection!

Saturday, March 4, 11am Whatcom READS: A Conversation with Jess Walter and Paul Hanson - VIRTUAL Join us on Zoom for the final event in the 2023 Whatcom READS author series! Jess Walter will be in conversation with Paul Hanson, co-owner of Village Books and Paper Dreams.

To see more events in the Whatcom READS 2023 programming, click here.