The Daily World Book Nook is celebrating National Library Lovers Month throughout the month of February. Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, is International Book Giving Day.
Meanwhile, the Oakville School District is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair through Friday, Feb. 13. According to Scholastic’s website, for over 100 years, Scholastic has fueled passionate readers with irresistible books they can’t wait to read. Book Fairs are available year round — each one a different experience, featuring new releases and exclusive books. Scholastic Book Fairs provide an unparalleled selection of books tailored to what students want, backed by decades of expertise.
Oakville-based author days away from latest book release
Speaking of Oakville, author Elizabeth Goddard, a USA Today bestselling and Christy Award-winning novelist with over 1.5 million books sold, is set to release the thrilling conclusion to her Hidden Bay series with Deadly Currents on Feb. 17. Set in the rugged Pacific Northwest, the romantic suspense novel follows investigative journalist Cressida as she arrives in Hidden Bay to finish her late father’s manuscript on shipwrecks — only to find herself in the crosshairs of dangerous forces when her research uncovers deadly secrets surrounding the ghost ship Specter’s Bounty.
Goddard has built her reputation on fast-paced suspense set in the dramatic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Her 2023 Christy Award win for Cold Light of Day starred reviews from Booklist praising her work as “a fast-paced journey through beautiful yet isolated parts of the Last Frontier” have established her as a leading voice in romantic suspense.
POETRY CONTEST
Shorebird Festival Poetry Contest
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and Hoquiam Timberland Library are partnering on a poetry contest to celebrate the 2026 Shorebird Festival.
Children in grades 1-6 in Grays Harbor are invited to write a poem inspired by the shorebirds
Limit one submission per person. Submission forms are available for pick up at any Grays Harbor Timberland Library branch
Submission forms can be returned to any Grays Harbor Timberland Library branch. They can also mail their submissions to the Hoquiam Timberland Library at 420 7th Street Hoquiam, WA 98550 or they can email them to klutz@trl.org. Deadline for submissions is March 20.
Winning poems will appear on a story trail on view at the refuge starting April 16.
UPCOMING AUTHOR EVENTS
Story Snowflakes with Brooke Pederson
Saturday, Feb. 14, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. McCleary Museum and Event Center
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Timberland Montesano Library
Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Timberland Hoquiam Library
Bring the whole family to design and cut snowflakes. Join local artist and librarian Brooke Pederson for a wonderful look at her papercut story snowflakes. Listen and engage with classic fairy tales, then learn some tips and tricks for how to fold and cut snowflakes yourself. All ages welcome.
Seabrook’s Beachside Author Series — Marissa Meyer
Saturday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Seabrook Town Hall
Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, Renegades trilogy, Heartless, and Gilded, among other celebrated works. Beloved for her sharp wit, richly built worlds, and imaginative twists on classic tales, Marissa has become one of today’s most influential voices in young adult literature. Her books have captivated millions of readers around the world and continue to inspire fandoms, fan art, and packed signing events wherever she goes.
Emily Winfield Martin in Conversation
Browsers Bookshop – Olympia
Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m.
Browsers is thrilled to welcome author Emily Winfield Martin as she discusses her latest book, The Wildest Thing, with Olympia’s own Nikki McClure. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of The Wonderful Things You Will Be comes an enchanting picture book about a child finding their “wild” self.
Author Talk with Janine Gates
Friday, March 6 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Lacey Timberland Library
Olympia-based journalist, photographer and author Janine Gates will discuss her book Saving the Nisqually Delta. Saving the Nisqually Delta chronicles the decades-long citizen activism that saved the Nisqually Delta from industrialization. Located eight miles northeast of Olympia, Washington, the Nisqually Delta is one of the country’s last unspoiled estuaries.
Mike Cairns’ ‘Under The Ash: A Pilot’s Story’ Book Tour
Saturday, March 7 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Westport Timberland Library
Saturday, March 14 from 11 a.m. to noon McCleary Timberland Library
Two more chances to chat with Mike in person about his new, highly-rated photo journal, Under The Ash, as well as view his remarkable slideshow presentation and take questions about his experiences at Mount St. Helens. Mike will also have copies of his book available to purchase and sign.
PNW Wilds
Saturday, March 7 — All day
The Loft in Chehalis, 547 NW Pacific Ave.
Special guests include award-winning guidebook author, outdoors writer and photographer, ardent conservationist, and Northwest trails and hiking expert Craig Romano; and author of Beautiful Rocks & How To Find Them and A Rockhound’s Guide to Oregon & Washington Alison Jean Cole.
WRITERS GROUPS
(Nearly) Silent Writing Club Sunday Edition
Browsers Bookshop – Olympia
Sunday, Feb. 15 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
3rd Sunday of each month
Writing can be lonely business. We say hello, have a brief conversation, and then write together in silence for an hour. Any type of writing, from journaling to an epic novel, is welcome. At the end, we do a quick check in. There is no critique or feedback on your work. Just time and space to write together. Meetings take place upstairs at Browsers—bring your notebook/pens/computer. (Please note: we are brimming with community but lacking in electrical outlets.) Feel free to bring a snack and/or beverage for yourself. There is no cost to attend, but you’re always welcome to make a purchase from the bookstore.
Hoquiam Writers Group
Harbor Books
Thursday, March 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
This group is open to all writers who want to attend: writers, poets, journalists, wordsmiths, and storytellers. The group meets monthly on the first Thursday of each month.
BOOK GROUPS AND CLUBS
Ocean Shores Public Library
BYOB [Bring Your Own Book]
Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Share what great books you have been reading with other book lovers. Get ideas for your “to be read” pile.
Reading Rangers
Saturday, Feb. 28 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Young readers ages 5-12 are invited to the library for a new adventure in a book series. Join us for a Pokémon themed program with FUN games, crafts, trivia and more.
Browsers Bookshop – Olympia
February Browsers Book Club
Thursday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.
Join us for a meeting of the Browsers Book Club upstairs. Please purchase the book at Browsers to reserve your spot. This month’s selection is On the Calculation of Volume (Book I) by Solvej Balle, translated by Barbara J. Haveland. Solvej Balle’s seven-volume novel wrings enthralling and magical new dimensions from time and its hapless, mortal subjects. As one Danish reviewer beautifully put it, Balle’s fiction consists of writing that listens. “Reading her is like being caressed by language itself.”
Harbor Books — Hoquiam
All-Genre Book Club
Sunday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All-Genre Book club meets the last Sunday of the month to discuss the book selected by group members the previous month. February’s read is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. This book is available for purchase in store (no purchase necessary to participate).
Orca Books Cooperative – Olympia
Queer Open Book Club
Sunday, Feb. 22 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Join us for an open discussion of what we’re reading. Each person will share their last month’s reads, with time for Q&A and maybe some games. Come with a hot take and leave with additions to your TBR list. All queers and their allies welcome. Masks encouraged.
Harbor Books – Hoquiam
Flights of Fantasy Book Club
Monday, March 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Flights of Fantasy is a monthly book club for lovers of Fantasy and Magical Realism. We meet the second Monday of each month at Harbor Books. March’s read is The Deathless One by Emma Hamm. Copies available for purchase at Harbor Books (purchase not required for participation).
Timberland Regional Library
Aberdeen
Rainy Day Reading Reviews – Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Come hear about the books that have captivated your friends and neighbors as they share them with you.
Friday, Feb. 13 — Cristine Gilliland reviews Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Friday, Feb. 20 — Alan Richrod reviews Here Comes the Sun, A Last Chance … by Bill McKibben
Friday, Feb. 27 — Bob Neisinger reviews Nothing Like it in the World by Stephen Ambrose
PageTurners Book Discussion
Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Join community members and library staff for a monthly book discussion. This month we will be discussing James by Percival Everett.
Elma
PageTurners Book Group
Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Join community members and library staff for a monthly book discussion. This month we will be discussing The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
Hoquiam
Books on 8th: Off Site Event at Hoquiam Brewing Company
Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m.
This library-sponsored event is occurring off-site at Hoquiam Brewing Company 526 8th St. in Hoquiam. If you’re an adult who is 21+ and likes to read Young Adult books, then this book club is for you! This month we will be discussing Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer. New members are always welcome! Email Sarah at slivingston@trl.org if you would like more information.
PageTurners Book Discussion
Tuesday, March 10, 6 to 7 p.m.
Join community members and library staff for a monthly book discussion. This month we will be discussing The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb.
Montesano
PageTurners Book Discussion
Thursday, Feb. 26 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Join community members and library staff for a monthly book discussion. This month we will be discussing The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley.
Westport
PageTurners Book Group
Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Join community members and library staff for a monthly book discussion. This month we will be reading A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.
McCleary
McCleary Book Club: Off Site Event at McCleary Museum and Event Center
Tuesday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to noon
This library-sponsored event is occurring off-site at 426 S 3rd St. in McCleary. Join community members and library staff for a monthly book discussion. Copies of each month’s selection are available at the McCleary Library service desk during regularly staffed hours while supplies last.
STORY TIME
Ocean Shores Public Library Story Time
Saturdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Timberland Regional Library Family Storytime
Aberdeen and Montesano
Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Elma
Fridays 10 to 11 a.m.
Westport
Wednesdays 10: 30 to 11:30 a.m.
McCleary
Wednesdays 11 a.m. to noon
Hoquiam
Fridays 10 to 11 a.m.
Stories and early learning activities that include music, movement, art, and early STEM play for children birth to 8 years old. This is an early learning program.
Raymond Timberland Regional Library
Book Babies
Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Books, bounces, music and play time for babies and their participating caregivers. This is an early learning program.
Barnes & Noble – Olympia
Barnes & Noble in Olympia hosts Storytime every Saturday at 11 a.m. featuring a different picture book each week.
Browsers Bookshop – Olympia
Bookseller Skye hosts Story Time on the first Saturday of each month from 11 to 11:30 a.m. upstairs at Browsers.
Deadly Currents by Elizabeth Goddard is due out Feb. 17
The Oakville School District is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair
