Just as a locavore wants to eat locally produced food, a library locavore wants to consume local information.

That's just what the Whatcom County Library System will produce through a "Transforming Life After 50" grant awarded by the Washington State Library Council.

The grant, centered on the Deming and Ferndale branches, will feature programs concerning topics of local interest developed and presented by local residents.

Free "Library Locavore" programs will cover local arts and crafts, outdoor recreation, and farming and sustainability. While computer, eBook, and other classes have been offered at the county system and at Bellingham Public Library in the past, the grant will help the county system broaden the scope and quantity of classes offered.

Check the event calendars at both libraries for additional class offerings.

The Transforming Life After 50 initiative is designed to serve and engage midlife and older adults by positioning libraries as catalysts, resources, meeting places, and partners in creating opportunities for them to learn, teach, lead, build skills, prepare for new careers, and enrich the lives of others in their communities.

The Reel Food Film Fest held last year at several county branch libraries is a successful example of such a program. In partnership with Sustainable Connections, the series included film viewings related to the topics of food and agriculture, followed by discussions with farmers, cooks and community groups working on local food projects. The response from the public was impressive and the series will be held again this coming year.

The new grant program was scheduled to kick off with two events at the Deming Library: a Nov. 10 class by Linda Quintana on using herbs to make household products and skin care products; and a Nov. 16 performance by Peter Ali playing American Indian, ancient Egyptian and traditional Norwegian flutes.

Additional events being organized include crafts classes at Ferndale Public Library with Lummi artists, as well as films, lectures and classes on farming and outdoor recreation at the Deming and Ferndale libraries next spring.

If you would like to participate or volunteer to teach a class, or have an idea for a class, contact Ann McAllen, the county system's outreach coordinator, at 360-384-3150, ext. 333, or Ann.McAllen@wcls.org.

Reach DEAN KAHN at dean.kahn@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2291.