Bellingham Public Library presents the following programs for Adults and Children in January, 2023. Locations are noted for each program, including the Central Library, Bellis Fair Mall and online. For more information see BellinghamPublicLibrary.org.
Adult Programs
Household Emergency Preparedness
Tuesday, January 3, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
In this series offered by the Bellingham Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management, we will share and discuss a different topic each month, including: an overview of our local hazards, the fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting your 2-week kit, preparing in a year, creating your household plan, and more.
Tech Basics Coaching
Wednesdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Pre-registration required* With the help of Volunteer Tech Helpers, the Library offers one-on-one coaching on basic tech skills. Tech Basics Coaching is offered on Wednesday afternoons. *Patrons must pre-register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
Story Night with the Bellingham Storytellers Guild
Friday, January 6, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
An evening of storytelling for all ages by members of the Bellingham Storytellers Guild. This event is free and family friendly, though geared toward older children and adults. Come enjoy the performance art of storytelling.
Little Looms
Saturday, January 7, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Hands on weaving with fiber arts projects for library patrons of all ages. Members of the Whatcom Weavers Guild will bring projects to demonstrate as well as allowing the community to have some hands-on experience.
Home Item Repair Workshop
Tuesdays, January 10 & 17, 4:30 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Bring your broken household items to SkillShare at the Central Library and work with skilled volunteers from NW Free Repairs to learn how to repair them. Volunteers have experience repairing common household items such as toys, small kitchen appliances, electric tools and many other items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Please note: broken items may not be dropped off to be repaired. Owners may participate in making the repairs with the repair volunteers. For more information about NW Free Repairs, please visit https://nwfreerepairs.wordpress.com/ .
Whatcom READS Event
She Travelled Solo
Thursday, January 12, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Online
Pre-registration required*
Inspired by her own 5,000-mile solo bicycle ride, Tessa Hulls researched little-known intrepid female adventurers. In this presentation, she demonstrates why female role models — such as characters in The Cold Millions — are vital in affecting social change. *Pre-register to participate at: WhatcomReads.org
Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 17, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
Regular Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month in the Lecture Room at the Bellingham Public Central Library. Meetings begin at 3:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and is encouraged to check the library’s website for the meeting agenda and packet.
Bellingham Reads Book Group
Tuesday, January 24, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., In-Person
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The January title is The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. No registration required for in-person meeting.
Tuesday, January 24, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Online
Registration required for online meeting*
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The January title is The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. *Contact Suzanne at scarlson-prandini@cob.org or 360-778-7236 to register and receive the Zoom link.
Map Your Neighborhood
Tuesday, January 24, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Map Your Neighborhood is a simple community-driven program that brings neighbors together to share information and develop their plan for emergencies and disasters. Learning to plan and work together as a neighborhood makes our community stronger and improves the quality of life for us all. Instructor Greg Hope is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Bellingham Fire Department Office of Emergency Management and can provide the materials and show you how to do it!
Street Law
Saturday, January 28, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Pre-registration required (starting January 17)*
Street Law is a free legal advice clinic where people can ask questions and get assistance in one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers. Appointments are limited to 15-20 minutes, and registration is required; a limited number of walk-in appointments may be available, but are not guaranteed. *Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079, ext 16 or www.lawadvocates.org to pre-register.
Children’s Programs
Little Storytime
Mondays, January 9, 23, 30
Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26
10:05, 10:35, & 11:05 a.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join in simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun!
Little Storytime at the Mall*
Wednesdays, January 11, 18, 25
10:05, 10:45, 11:25 a.m. Bellis Fair Mall
(store space near the play area)
*If attending a storytime prior to 11:00 a.m., please use the Mall Entrance at the Food Court or near Target. For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join in simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun!
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31
10:05 – 10:35 a.m. & 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join in fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Preschool Storytime at the Mall*
Wednesdays, January 11, 18, 25
12:05 – 12:35 p.m. Bellis Fair Mall
(store space near the play area)
*If attending a storytime prior to 11:00 a.m., please use the Mall Entrance at the Food Court or near Target
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join in fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Time for Tales
Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For children ages 4 – 8 with families welcome. Enjoy fun stories and songs.
Cuentos y canciones / Stories and Songs
Saturdays, January 14, 21, 28 Los sábados, el 14, 21, 28 de enero
10:05 – 10:50 & 11:05 – 11:50 a.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
Un tiempo de cuentos bilingües para edades de nacimiento – 5 con hermanos y familias bienvenidos. Disfrute de cuentos y canciones divertidos en español y inglés. / A bilingual storytime for ages birth – 5 with siblings and family welcome. Enjoy fun stories and songs in both Spanish and English.
Baby Time
Fridays, January 20 & 27
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For babies ages birth – 12 months with an adult partner. Songs, rhymes, bounces, movement, and stories! ** Pre-registration is required!** Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information. Registration is for a 6 week session.
Mondays, January 23 & 30
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For babies ages birth – 12 months with an adult partner. Songs, rhymes, bounces, movement, and stories! ** Pre-registration is required!** Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information. Registration is for a 6 week session.
Stories and Play
Mondays, January 23 & 30
10:05 – 11:05 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5. This is a storytime and facilitated play experience for young children and the adults who take care of them.
Fridays, January 20 & 27
10:05 – 11:05 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5. This is a storytime and facilitated play experience for young children and the adults who take care of them.
Pajama Storytime
Tuesday, January 31
6:15 – 6:45 p.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For children ages 3 – 8 with siblings and family. Join in with your favorite stuffy for a fun, cozy storytime with books, songs and felt activities. Wear your jammies if you’d like.
Media Contact:
Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, ambagley@cob.org, 360778-7206