April 2024 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Bellingham Public Library presents a full line-up of programs and events for adults and children in April 2024. Special highlights include an Author Visit with Parisa Akhbari on April 6, and the kickoff of a series of Learning Together Forums on April 18 in partnership with WWU’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and Center for Community Learning. Special display themes for April include Arab American Heritage Month, and Books in Translation. The Library will also participate in Library Giving Day April 3, National Library Week April 7 – 13, and the City of Bellingham’s Earth Week activities April 18 – 27.

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 Programs for Adults

Household Emergency Preparedness

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*

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. 

Little Looms

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.

Author Event with Parisa Akhbari

Author Parisa Akhbari will be at the Bellingham Public Library on Saturday, April 6 from to talk about her debut novel, Just Another Epic Love Poem, followed by a Q&A session, and book signing. The event is co-sponsored by the Bellingham Public Library, Queer Youth Project, Northwest Youth Services, Whatcom Youth Pride, and is for anyone high school age and above. No registration required.

Experience Brain Fitness

Keeping 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.

Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop

Drop in and work with skilled volunteers to learn how to repair your broken household items.

Smart Trips Workshop: Biking with Kids

Please join Smart Trips’ Education Coordinator Libby Chenault for a monthly program on topics of active transportation. In April, Libby will talk about “Biking with Kids”. From ways to carry little ones to teaching them how to ride, to knowing when your teens are ready to bike on their own, and the stages and joys of biking as a family. Perfect timing to start biking to school this spring. No registration required.

Opportunity Council: Community Resource Connections

Drop in to meet with staff from Opportunity Council’s Community Resource Center and Community Programs teams. Staff will be available to provide information, referrals, and assistance on various community services. Get help with housing, food assistance, basic needs, and more. 

Library Board Meeting

Library Board of Trustee meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday.

NAMI Whatcom Resources

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.

Cascade STEAM Digital Navigators

Drop in any time during Cascade STEAM Digital Navigators for assistance with internet connectivity, computing devices, and other technology needs and questions. 

Learning Together Forum: Powering a Sustainable Future

Share your hopes and challenges related to creating a more sustainable region, affordable and clean energy, and meet others doing inspirational work. Participants will leave with new connections and opportunities for action. No registration required.

Spin Your Own Yarn

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*

Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The title for April is A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza. *Contact Suzanne at scarlson-randini@cob.org or 360-778-7236 to register and receive the Zoom link for the online meeting.

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.

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.  

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.

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Children’s Programs

Library Children’s Programs for Spring Break April 1 – 5

Game Day!

For children ages 5 – 12. Play a variety of board games at the Library. Mario Kart will also be available to play on the Nintendo Switch.

Let’s Go Craft Crazy!

For ages 9 – 13. Make some amazing and crazy crafts. Paint, sculpt, draw, and more. Snacks and all supplies provided.

Builders Club at the Fairhaven Branch

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.   

Building and Crafting Fun!

Fun for children of all ages. A variety of crafting and loose parts building materials will be available for you to create with and use your imagination.

Runes, Ravens, and Wolves: An Expedition into Norse Mythology and Viking Culture*

For ages 9 – 14. Draw some runes, explore Norse mythology and Vikings with fun activities and enjoy a Nordic snack. Snacks and all supplies provided. *Pre-registration is required – space is limited. Click HERE to register.

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Library Regular Programs for Children

Sunday Crafternoon at the Library

For ages 9-14. Do you like crafting? How about crafts and snacks? Visit the Library for a fun craft activity. No registration required – all materials provided.

Little Storytime

Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29
Thursdays, April 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. Enjoy simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.

Little Storytime @ Bellis Fair Branch

Wednesdays, April 10, 17, 24
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. Enjoy simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun. Note: If arriving before 11 a.m., enter through the entrance next to Target or the Food Court.

Pajama Storytime

For children ages 3 – 8 with siblings and family. Bring your favorite stuffy for a fun, cozy storytime with books, songs and felt activities.

Preschool Storytime @ Bellis Fair Branch

Wednesdays, April 10, 17, 24
12:05 – 12:35 p.m.
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Enjoy fun and engaging stories, songs, and fingerplays.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, April 11, 18, 25
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Enjoy fun and engaging stories, songs, and fingerplays. 

Time for Tales

Thursdays, April 11, 18, 25
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. 

Stories and Play

For children ages 3 – 5. This is a storytime and facilitated play experience for young children and the adults who take care of them. Enjoy stories, songs, play and activities.

Baby Time*

Dodson Room, Central Library

For babies ages birth – 12 months with an adult partner. Join Bernice and learn a variety of fun songs, rhymes, and lap plays. The group 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. *Pre-registration is required. Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information.

Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs 

Los sábados, el 13, 20 y el 27 de abril / Saturdays, April 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.

Builders Club

Wednesday, April 17, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Branch Library

Tuesday, April 30, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. (New! Monthly optional challenges!)
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.  

Taylor Swift Party!

Friday, April 19, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library

For youth ages 8 – 18. Join us in celebrating all things Taylor Swift. Dress up Taylor Swift style, make friendship bracelets, karaoke and more. No registration required.

Getting Crafty @ the Library

For ages 6 – 12. Join us for some crafting fun. No registration required. 

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Media Contact:

Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, Bellingham Public Library, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206