Public libraries in Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County are saying farewell to overdue fines. On January 2, Bellingham Public Library (BPL) and Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) will join libraries across the country that have eliminated the practice of charging people for returning library materials after the due date. This change is designed to help … Read more

In response to business practices that create access barriers for library patrons, the Washington Digital Library Consortium — of which Bellingham Public Library is a member — has chosen to boycott purchases of Macmillan Publishers’ eBooks and eAudiobooks now through the end of 2020. Troubling limits imposed by publishers on public library purchases of digital … Read more

People say they want to be connected, safe, valued, respected, and accepted by others, with opportunities to be engaged and ever-learning together. But they are concerned that our community could be more inclusive, safe, and sustainable, with resources and opportunities more equitable and prevalent for all. That’s a sample of the perspectives people shared during … Read more

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