The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library (FOBPL) is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization established in 1952. The Friends are here to assist the Bellingham Public Library to better serve the citizens of Bellingham by:
Meetings | Membership | Newsletters | Book Sales & Nearly New Books | Donations | Magazine Swap | Memorial Gift Program | Scholarship Essay Contest | Continuing Education Grant
Officers meet regularly on the 2nd Thursday of most months at 1:00 p.m. in the Lecture Room at the Central Library. Please call 360-778-7250 or email bellinghamfriends@yahoo.com for details.
To join the Friends, print out a Membership Application and mail it to:
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library
210 Central Avenue - CS9710
Bellingham, WA 98227-9710
You may also pick up a Membership Application at any Bellingham Public Library location.
Book Sales and Nearly-New Books
Book lovers rejoice! Attend our used book sales and support your local library! For more information, please call 360-778-7250. The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library hold a minimum of four used book sales annually with most items priced $2 or less. In 2010, proceeds from these sales resulted in over $95,000 in donations to the library in the form of new children’s books, library furnishings, computer workstations, and fun programs for families.
Books in like-new condition are available for purchase on an ongoing basis at both the Central Library and the Fairhaven Branch. Many have been donated by Village Books. Bargains abound!
In addition, the Friends hold frequent book sales throughout the year.
| Ski to Sea Sale | ||
| Wednesday, 5/22/13 | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Full Price |
| Thursday, 5/23/13 | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Full Price |
| Friday, 5/24/13 | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Half Price |
| Saturday, 5/25/13 | 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | $4 Bag Sale |
| August Sale | ||
| Thursday, 8/22/13 | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Full Price |
| Friday, 8/23/13 | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Full Price |
| Saturday, 8/24/13 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | $4 Bag Sale |
Used and new books in good, sellable condition are always welcome and appreciated! Audiobooks, music CDs and DVDs are also welcome. Materials are reviewed continually, so items are accepted any time throughout the year. You may bring up to four boxes of books to the Central Library Checkout Desk marked, "For Friends". Arrangements for pickup of large amounts of books can be made by calling the Friends at 360-778-7250.
As an additional service, the Friends accept used, still current magazines in good condition for recycling to the general public. These magazines are available at the Magazine Swap tables located at both the Central Library and Fairhaven Branch; please bring donations directly to the swap tables. Thank you for your donations!
The Memorial Gift Program honors the memories of individuals and provides additional materials and/or services for use by the library. Two options are available.
Your memorial donation will fund a book on a particular subject of your choosing or, if you prefer, library staff will select a book in an area needing materials. A bookplate on the inside cover of the book will memorialize the individual and mention the donor. Letters of acknowledgment and appreciation are sent by the library to the family and donor.
Your memorial donation will fund additional materials and/or services sought by the library. Letters of acknowledgment and appreciation are sent by the library to the family and donor.
To participate in the Memorial Gift program, please print out and complete this form, then mail it along with a check to:
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library
210 Central
Avenue - CS9710
Bellingham, WA 98227-9710
ATTN: President
In 2011-2012, the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library inaugurated a Scholarship Essay Contest for the purpose of enhancing opportunities for young community members to further their educations. For 2013, applicants will submit a typed essay of approximately 500 words describing how the applicant envisions this library of the future. One winner will be selected to win a $500 scholarship award at the Friends' Annual Meeting in April.
To qualify, the applicant must live in Bellingham and be a junior (in the eleventh grade). The candidate should be planning to continue his or her education beyond high school.
Congratulations to the 2013 Scholarship Essay Contest winner Leah Sauter!
Contest Description and Application Form
Continuing Education Grant Fund
In recognition of the extraordinary service provided by the staff of the Bellingham Public Library, the Friends established a continuing education fund in 2011 to provide opportunities for staff members to take advantage of educational and enrichment programs that will directly benefit library patrons. Librarians and all categories of support staff who currently work ten or more hours per week are eligible.
Staff members are encouraged to read the complete description about the fund and submit an application no fewer than 30 days prior to the event.