With June coming to a close, the Bellingham Public Library is sharing a final round of Pride Month recommendations for adult readers. Public Services Clerk Lark has put together three picks that cover very different tones and formats: a post-apocalyptic vampire sequel, a horror-comedy about demonic conversion therapy, and a warm 2000s romantic comedy film that explores identity, culture, and family. All three are available through the library's collection.
The Bellingham Public Library serves Whatcom County through its main branch on Central Avenue in downtown Bellingham and two branch locations. Throughout June, staff members have shared personal recommendations that highlight LGBTQ+ authors, stories, and themes as part of the library's broader Pride Month programming. Lark's recommendations are notable for their range, spanning literary horror and light romantic comedy while sharing a common thread of queer identity as a central force in the story.
The first recommendation is "First Light" by Liz Kerin, the sequel to "Night's Edge." Lark describes it as a continuation of "a world torn asunder by a vampiric virus," in which protagonist Mia sets out to confront the man responsible for her family falling apart, forming alliances along the way. "If you like reading about complex characters, familial dysfunction, and post-apocalyptic societies, this book might be perfect for you," Lark writes. "A low-key sapphic vampire love story is a bonus." The book blends genre horror with character-driven emotional stakes in a way that has drawn a devoted following since the first installment.
The second pick is "Camp Damascus" by Chuck Tingle. Lark's summary is bracingly direct: "The only thing scarier than forced conversion therapy is demon possession. This book has both." Tingle, who is known for unconventional and genre-bending fiction, is praised by Lark for balancing horror with humor. "Tingle deftly balances the horror with humor, resulting in an exciting, interrogative, and bitingly funny read." The novel has been widely praised for its satirical approach to conversion therapy camps while delivering genuine genre thrills. Chuck Tingle has become one of the more distinctive voices in contemporary horror, and "Camp Damascus" represents his most substantial long-form work to date.
The third recommendation is not a book but a film: "Saving Face," directed by Alice Wu, available as a DVD Comedy through the library's collection. Lark describes the 2004 film as blending "a thoughtful look into culture, tradition and identity with the hallmark levity of a 2000s rom com." The film follows Wil, a Chinese American surgeon managing a demanding career while her widowed mother moves in after an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Wil is also carrying on a relationship she is keeping secret from her boss. Lark writes that the film "lovingly explores the importance of community and culture while championing the need to evolve and create inclusive societies which value authenticity and flexibility in addition to tradition and honor." The film is considered a landmark in queer Asian American cinema and holds up well two decades after its release.
All three of Lark's picks share a theme of identity navigated under pressure, whether from a viral apocalypse, a coercive institution, or the expectations of family and community. That theme has particular resonance during Pride Month, which in Whatcom County has included events at the library, the Bellingham waterfront, and venues throughout the city. The library's programming reflects a long-standing commitment to inclusive community services that dates back well before Pride Month became a calendar fixture.
The Bellingham Public Library offers not just physical checkouts but also digital lending through platforms like Libby and Hoopla, meaning cardholders can access e-books and audiobooks immediately without visiting a branch. For residents who want to follow up on any of Lark's recommendations, the library's catalog is searchable at bellinghampubliclibrary.org. Library cards are free and available to all Whatcom County residents.
The library's summer reading program is also underway, running through August. Adult participants earn entries toward prize drawings by logging reading hours. Last week, the library announced that the Summer Reading program had partnered with Bellis Fair Mall, offering young readers who complete the challenge free mini golf passes. For adults, the program runs alongside the children's programming, with its own prize track and reading log. Full details on the summer reading program are available through the library's events calendar.
Lark's three recommendations are available at the main branch. "First Light" and "Camp Damascus" can be placed on hold through the online catalog if copies are checked out. "Saving Face" is in the DVD section and can be checked out for a standard one-week lending period. Library hours are Monday through Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday noon to 6pm.
