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

Show your support for equity, diversity and inclusion — march with the Bellingham Public Library in the 2018 Bellingham Pride parade on Sunday, July 15, 2018. Meet us on the Central Library lawn at 11:30 a.m., look for us in the parade line up at the intersection of Halleck, Ohio and Cornwall streets just before … Read more

Families traveling around Washington this summer will have a new reason to stop in at libraries along the way: the chance to win bookstore gift cards from the Washington Center for the Book. Through A Passport to Washington Libraries, from June 15 to September 15, anyone visiting a Washington library can post a creative photo … Read more

The Bellingham Public Library Board of Trustees announced today the appointment of Rebecca Judd as the new director of the Bellingham Public Library. Judd, who currently lives on Bainbridge Island and works for Kitsap Regional Library, will begin July 16, 2018. Library Board of Trustees Chair Rick Osen said Rebecca is a dedicated and skilled … Read more

Please pardon our mess! We’re making minor changes at the Central Library to improve service. A small construction project is underway in early May on the main floor of the Central Library. We are modifying an area on the main floor near the public computers to provide a wheelchair-accessible counter and allow us to consolidate … Read more

Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library System published a Request for Proposals on Thursday, April 26, 2018, seeking responses from vendors of library automation systems to replace the Integrated Library System (ILS) currently shared by the libraries. The deadline for submitting a response is 11:00 AM PDT on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Interested vendors … Read more

The Arch of Healing and Reconciliation was recently installed near the Central Library, honoring immigrants in the Pacific Northwest and unity among Whatcom County residents. An April 21, 2018, celebration and unveiling of the 12-foot, 10-ton red granite monument drew scores of participants. The monument is the first part of a multi-faceted project to honor and … Read more

PLEASE NOTE: this information was updated to reflect changes in the project timeline. The library closed its meeting rooms to community group use while we made changes to our policies, procedures and software in early 2018. While we originally expected to resume this service, we have postponed resuming this service indefinitely. This is due to unanticipated staffing changes and the need … Read more

City and Library leaders are studying options for sustainable long-term Library funding and governance, with the help of BERK Consulting, a strategic planning and business consulting firm. BERK representatives will present a draft report on the results of their work to the Bellingham City Council Committee of the Whole at 3:10 p.m. Monday, November 13 … Read more

Updated Aug. 21, 2017: Thanks for joining us for the 2017 eclipse at the Central Library! A nice crowd gathered inside and outside, watching the live stream and sharing glasses and exclamations of awe at the partial eclipse in Bellingham. ____ The countdown is underway! People around the country are eagerly anticipating one of nature’s most awe-inspiring … Read more