Dear Reader

As we approach the end of 2021, we look back upon a year full of continued changes and transformations. Though not nearly on par with 2020, we are still feeling the effects and recognizing silver linings. And yet, the remembrance of old sayings reminds us that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Yep, social distancing is still a thing. We look forward to the day when it's not but, until then, we're finding ways to cope. We've enjoyed a return to in-person events including our first Chuckanut Radio Hour since February of 2020 and a series of sold out events in our Readings Gallery. We, along with everyone else, are experiencing the now-familiar woes of "supply chain disruption" in unexpected ways, but are compensating by getting what we can, when we can. (We may not have that, but we've got THIS and it's even better!) It's truly happening everywhere, even online: that perceived bastion of I can get whatever I want whenever I want it. Between paper-shortages, manufacturing closures, and transportation woes, the notion of instant gratification is continuously challenged. The adage of "You can't always get what you want, but sometimes, you get what you need," is helpful to remember. Thank you, Rolling Stones, for words of wisdom in trying times.

You'll see a great many new faces in our stores when you visit. Though we're experiencing the same loss of valued staff for various reasons the same as everywhere else, this has created opportunities for wondrous new individuals to join us who are passionate about sharing their love for reading, for service, and for building community as ever. Remember, "a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet." So, Dear Reader, if you encounter a new face with a Village Books and Paper Dreams nametag on, please introduce yourself. They're looking forward to getting to know you.

The world may feel as though it's been sloshed about and we're all looking forward to when it's a bit more settled. Until then, our aim is to provide as much consistency, safety, and service as we can for our customers, our employees, and our community. We leave you with this blessing, "May you live in UN-interesting times." – Paul, Kelly, Sarah,

VILLAGE

BOOKS

Publisher: Village Books and Paper Dreams

Production Design: Kelly Carbert Contributors: Kiana Allen, Andrew Baesler, Eric Bowen, Rick Bramham, Lillie Brown, Kendra Calitri, Lindsay Campbell, Kelly Carbert, Erin Chervenock, Erica Davis, Gaye Davis, Ronnie Delgado, Kelly Evert, Allison Frodsham, Eamon Gannon, Chase Gartner, Chelanne Evans, Paul Hanson, Sarah Hutton, Jean Jackman, Hannah Jennings, Abby Kope, Sarah Macpherson, Maia Kreis, Madison Marko, Claire McElroy-Chesson, Laura Miller, Jessica Moreland, Dichali Nash, Zadra Nolan, Owen Paznokas, Ava Peach, Laura Picco, Hanna Reynolds, Dagny Safon, Guinevere Smith, Melissa Searle, Maddie Swaney, Madeline Sweeney, Luthien Tamminga, Emily Thomsen, Laney Turner, Matt White, Gabi Yoxtheimer Cover: Books, Toys, Gifts Galore! Thank YOU for supporting locally owned businesses this holiday season. Content except art & book covers ©Village Books 2021 Printed by the Lynden Tribune on paper made from 50% post-consumer waste.

Cyber Monday and Annual New Year's SALES! 2 Dear Reader 3 Holiday Open House and Shopping at VBPD 4-5 Holiday Happenings – Fairhaven Winterfest 6-10 Shopping with Kelly 11&13 Lynden Loves the Holidays 15 Fiction, Mystery, Sci-Fi, and Graphic Novels 17-25 Poetry 27 Chuckanut Writers Winter Classes 29-30 VB Publishing – New & Notable Reads 31-32 Whatcom Reads 2022 33 In the Kitchen – Cooking, Eating, Drinking & More 34-37 Mind, Body, Spirit, Psychology 38-39 True Tales, Life Stores 40-41 Performing Arts & More 42-43 History and Current Events 44-45 Science, Nature, and the PNW 47-49 Peaceful Poetry Winning Entries 52 Great Reads and Activities for Kids, Teens, Teachers 53-66 Lit Live Author Events – Virtual and In Person 67-70 VB Reads... Join a Book Group 71