Whistler Public Library (including Bruce, second from left, and Fenton, center) representing at Whistler Pride. 

Libraries have always been about more than books. While they are an accessible home for stories, history, facts and information, they are also hubs for community. In Whistler, it goes beyond that. The Whistler Public Library is a place to connect, listen, learn and innovate. And in our changing world, it seems it’s more important than ever to preserve and protect our library, and the role it plays in Whistler. 

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton is joined by the Whistler Public Library’s Director, Mikale Fenton, and Program and Marketing Coordinator Jeanette Bruce. They get into what sets the Whistler Public Library apart, how we got here, social infrastructure and how this leads to resiliency, how a facility can become a community, the priorities that are driving growth and change, and what’s next for this valued community space. 

Listen now: 

Host: Mayor Crompton 

Guest: Mikale Fenton and Jeanette Bruce 

Book recommendations:

As this great conversation ran slightly overtime, Mayor Crompton did not have the opportunity to ask the question he ends every interview on, about books and podcasts. And what guests to miss that on! So, we followed up and are happy to provide these details for you here. 

Jeanette Bruce: 

I’m going to do a cheeky genre shout-out, since it’s IMPOSSIBLE to choose a favourite book (😉). I’ve been reading lots of horror from marginalized voices (AKA Horror that’s not written by Stephen King) lately, and some recent favourites include: 

Cold by Ojibway author Drew Hayden Taylor 

Our Share of Night by Argentinian author Mariana Enriquez (or her equally awesome short story collection, The Dangers of Smoking in Bed) 

Manhunt by trans author Gretchen Felker-Martin 

Mikale Fenton: 

In terms of book recommendations, I agree with Jeanette—such a hard choice! As I mentioned in the podcast, I’m a huge audiobook lover. Here are a few of my all time favourite audiobooks:  

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (narrated by Tom Hanks who does not simply read this epic multigenerational family drama, but acts out the voice of each character. Who doesn’t want to listen to Tom Hanks for 9 hours and 53 minutes) 

World War Z by Max Brooks Not to be confused with its mediocre film adaptation, this was the first audiobook I remember ever listening to and the title which converted me to world of audiobooks in general. Performed by a full cast including Alan Alda, Mark Hamill, Martin Scorcese and John Turturro, this documentary-style oral history records the testimony of men, women, and sometimes children who came survived a fateful Zombie apocalypse which nearly eradicated humanity. I cannot recommend this audiobook enough.  

The Wager:  A tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann This grizzly true survival story from a little-known 1742 shipwreck taught me so much about sailing, navigation, and the world at large in the 1700’s. 

Links/More Information 

Twin Peaks (TV Series 1990–1991) – IMDb 

Palaces for the People | Whistler Public Library | BiblioCommons

A Eulogy for The Weakerthans, the Band That Made Having Feelings Punk (vice.com) 

Acknowledgements 

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is grateful to be on the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat People, known in their language as L̓il̓wat7úl, and the Squamish People, known in their language as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh. We respect and commit to a deep consideration of their history, culture, stewardship and voice. 

This podcast was recorded in the Sound Booth at the Whistler Public Library’s Wonder Lab. 

Whistler’s beautiful public library. Photo: RMOW/Oisin McHugh 

One of the newer additions to the WPL: the Wonder Lab! Photo: RMOW/Oisin McHugh 

Ukulele strum along sessions, one of the many programs available at the WPL. Photo: RMOW/Oisin/McHugh 

Jeanette Bruce, in her element.  

Mikale Fenton, on the Book Bike in North Vancouver. Photo: Mikale Fenton archives