Bellingham Public Library presents the following programs and events for adults and children in January 2024. Locations are noted for each program, including the Central Library, the Bellis Fair Branch, the Fairhaven Library Branch and online. For more information see BellinghamPublicLibrary.org. All programs are free of charge.
Library Closed for New Years Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, Jan. 1 and Monday, Jan. 15
Adult Programs
Household Emergency Preparedness
Tuesday, January 2, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
An overview of local hazards, fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting a 2-week kit, preparing in a year, creating your household plan, and more.
Library Basics Tech Coaching*
Wednesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ( JAN. 17 CANCELLED)
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Thursdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (JAN. 18 CANCELLED)
Bellis Fair Branch
The Library offers one-on-one coaching on basic tech skills and accessing the Library’s digital services. *Patrons must register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
Learn Ukulele*
Wednesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. ( JAN. 17 CANCELLED)
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Over the course of 4 weeks, students will learn the fundamentals of the ukulele. For adults and kids ages 10 and over only. *Pre-registration required Register HERE or call 360-778-7323 to sign up. PLEASE NOTE: ukuleles are not provided; students must bring their own instrument.
NW Regional Council Outreach Specialists Onsite
Friday, January 5, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in and talk to NWRC Outreach Specialists about how to become an in-home caregiver for low-income adults and, other services they provide.
Little Looms
Saturday, January 6, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, 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 drop in for some hands on experience.
Learn About Free Blood Pressure Self Monitoring and other YMCA Programs
Tuesday, January 9, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
The Whatcom Family YMCA will be in the Library’s SkillShare Space to raise awareness of the ways you can manage your health through their evidence-based health programs. They’ll also be offering free blood pressure monitoring.
Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop
Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 4:30 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in and work with skilled volunteers to learn how to repair your broken household items.
Experience Brain Fitness
Tuesdays, January 16, 30, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Keep your brain fit by learning new skills, exercising your memories and challenging your brain to adapt and change can help delay or prevent the onset of memory challenges. Come get your brain loose and limber with fun brain training games and exercises led by Certified Brain Fitness Trainer Dawn Anderson. Adults of all ages welcome.
Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 16, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
Library Board of Trustee Meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday.
NAMI Whatcom Resources
Wednesday, January 17, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (CANCELLED)
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in and talk to a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Whatcom volunteer about resources that are available to anyone impacted by mental health conditions in Whatcom County.
Spin Your Own Yarn
Sunday, January 21, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
At this drop-in program, spinners from the Spindrifters Guild will provide basic spinning tools and easy fiber to those who want to try making their own yarn. Spinners will also bring their own personal wheels to demonstrate modern spinning methods to viewers.
Bellingham Reads Book Group*
Tuesday, January 23, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. IN-PERSON
Lecture Room, Central Library
Tuesday, January 23, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. ONLINE
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The title for January is The Plover by Brian Doyle. *Contact Suzanne at scarlson-randini@cob.org or 360-778-7236 to register and receive the Zoom link for the online meeting.
Map Your Neighborhood
Tuesday, January 23, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
A simple community-driven program that brings neighbors together to share info and develop a plan for emergencies and disasters. Instructor Greg Hope is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Bellingham Fire Department Office of Emergency Management.
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library Book Sale
Thursday, January 25, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 26, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 27, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Half price
Saturday, January 27, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., $5 bag
Lecture Room, Central Library
Browse a huge selection of books, DVDs, and more. All proceeds benefit Bellingham Public Library.
Street Law*
Saturday, January 27, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Ask questions and get assistance in one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers. Appointments are limited to 15 minutes, and registration is required. *Pre-registration required. Please contact LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079 or info@lawadvocates.org to sign up.
Children’s Programs
Little Storytime
Mondays, January 8, 22, 29 (No storytime on Jan. 15 as the Library will be closed for MLK Holiday)
Thursdays, January 11, 18, 25
10:05 – 10:35, 10:35 – 11:05, and 11:05 – 11:35 a.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun!
Little Storytime @ Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 (JAN. 17 CANCELLED)
10:05 – 10:35 a.m., 10:45 – 11:15 a.m., and 11:25 – 11:55 a.m.
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.
Preschool Storytime @ Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 (JAN. 17 CANCELLED)
12:05 – 12:35 p.m.
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Time for Tales
Thursdays, January 11, 18, 25 (JAN. 18 CANCELLED)
1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 5 – 9 with families welcome. Enjoy fun stories, songs and a craft.
Builders Club
Wednesday, January 10
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Branch Library
Tuesday, January 30
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 4 – 12. Unleash the builder in you. All supplies are provided, including Legos, straw connectors, and more. Duplos and other blocks will also be available for younger children.
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs
Los sábados, el 13, 20, 27 de enero / Saturdays, January 13, 20, 27
11:05 – 11:45 a.m.
El centro de aprendizaje temprano, La sucursal del centro comercial Bellis Fair / Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Mall Branch
Una hora de cuentos bilingües para niños y sus cuidadores/familias. Disfrute de cuentos y canciones divertidos en español y inglés. / A bilingual storytime for kids and their caregivers/families. Enjoy fun stories and songs in both Spanish and English.
Pajama Storytime
Wednesday, January 17 (JAN. 17 CANCELLED)
6:15 – 6:45 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 8 with siblings and family. Join us with your favorite stuffy for a fun, cozy storytime with books, songs and felt activities. Wear your jammies (pajamas) if you’d like.
Preschool Storytime
Thursdays, January 18, 25 (JAN. 18 CANCELLED)
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Baby Time*
Mondays, January 22 – March 4, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Fridays, January 26 – March 1, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
Join Bernice and learn a variety of fun songs, rhymes, and lap plays. We will read stories and talk about the five early literacy practices: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing with your baby and how to easily incorporate these into your daily routines. The last portion of class is dedicated to baby play time and time for parents/caregivers to connect. For babies ages birth – 12 months with an adult partner. *Pre-registration is required. Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information. To register online, click here for Mondays, or click here for Fridays. Note: you are registering for all 6 weeks.
Getting Crafty @ the Library*
Tuesday, January 23
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 6 – 12. Join us for some crafting fun! Each month we will focus on a new craft or put out a bunch of supplies and have open crafting time. All supplies and snacks are provided. *Pre-registration is required – space is limited. Click HERE to register.
Media Contact:
Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, Bellingham Public Library, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206
