Design work is now underway for an interior remodel of the main floor of the Central Library, featuring updates that will improve public spaces and incorporate operational efficiencies. Public information sessions about the project are scheduled for: Saturday, October 26:  10 – 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 28:  6 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 8:  11 … Read more

UPDATE: After this column was published locally, the American Library Association initiated a public information campaign and petition. Visit www.ebooksforall.org for more information and to sign the petition. By Rebecca Judd, director, Bellingham Public Library and Christine Perkins, executive director, Whatcom County Library System Troubling limits imposed by publishers on public library purchases of electronic … Read more

Bellingham Public Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries support strong communities, during National Library Week, April 7-13, 2019. Bellingham Public Library Director Rebecca Judd said she is particularly proud to celebrate National Library Week this year, with Washington resident and renowned philanthropist Melinda Gates serving as honorary chair. In her statement … Read more

What do you care about? Libraries can help. The Bellingham Public Library is reaching out this spring to learn about people’s aspirations for their community, as part of planning for the library’s future. The library is hosting a series of Community Conversations, intending to gather public knowledge on a range of topics of interest to … Read more

Bellingham Public Library hosts “Triple Nickles,” the story of the first all-black paratrooper unit, 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Central Library, as part of Whatcom READS 2019. (Facebook event for “Triple Nickles” presentation.) Whatcom READS 2019 features the book “The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America” by Timothy … Read more

Bellingham Public Library joins libraries and other organizations locally and across the country recognizing African American History Month in February. By highlighting this month, we pay tribute to the generations of people who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society and we celebrate the achievements of African American people throughout our country’s … Read more

Bellingham Public Library staff and resources are featured in a recent episode of the PBS television show “We’ll Meet Again.” Season 2, Episode 3 of “We’ll Meet Again” shows the dramatic reunions of people who as children survived the 1964 great Alaskan earthquake. “This is the wonderful story of childhood friends who are reunited after … Read more

The Bellingham Public Library has successfully completed a scheduled update of its Integrated Library System, though a few impacts to patrons remain. Library leaders and staff wish to extend thanks to all patrons for their patience during this transition and while we learn our new system. Here’s what patrons can expect January 8-14, 2019: Most services … Read more

The Bellingham Public Library is closed for several days for the winter holidays, and — due to a scheduled computer system update — will be closed an additional day on January 2, 2019. In addition, our services will be limited during January 1-7, 2019, as we prepare for a new computer system. We apologize for any inconvenience … Read more

Bellingham and Whatcom County libraries announced today they have contracted with Innovative Interfaces Inc (III) for the planned replacement of their shared Integrated Library System (ILS), the software used to keep the records on library collections, patrons and circulations. The new ILS will be III’s Polaris. These automated systems are critical to library operations, from ordering items for the collection, to communicating with … Read more