April 2025 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Home Emergency Preparedness

Tuesday, April 1, 6:00 – 6:45 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Prepare for potential emergencies by attending this monthly class, offered by the Bellingham Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management. Instructor Greg Hope will discuss a different topic each month including: an overview of local hazards, the fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting your 2-week kit, preparing in a year, creating your household plan, and more. Classes are free and no registration is required. 

Dementia 101*

Thursday, April 3, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Thursday, April 24, 2:00 – 3:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

*Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Register online or call the Help Desk at 360-778-7323 to sign up. 

You’re invited to an informative presentation on a variety of dementia-related topics, designed to further your knowledge and help you provide the best possible care and support for individuals with memory impairments. Family members of a loved one with dementia can benefit from additional information and guidance. In this free, hour-long session you’ll learn about the common types of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease, and how it affects a person’s functional and mental abilities. You’ll learn to identify behaviors that can be found in people living with dementia and understand what is being communicated through those behaviors. The class will be presented by Rosalee Ronquillo, Senior Community Ambassador at Silverado Bellingham Memory Care. Choose the session that works best for you.  

Small Looms

Saturday, April 5, 12:00 – 3:00 pm

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.

Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop

Tuesdays, April 8 and April 15, 4:30 – 6:45 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Bring your broken household items to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and work with skilled volunteers from NW Free Repairs to learn how to repair them. Volunteers have experience repairing common household items such as toys, small kitchen appliances, electric tools and many other items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Please note: broken items may not be dropped off to be repaired. Owners may participate in making the repairs with the repair volunteers. 

Bellingham Vet Center Info

Thursday, April 10, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library where staff from the Bellingham Vet Center will share information on the services they provide. The primary mission of the Vet Center is to provide mental health counseling to veterans that are eligible for their services. They focus on trauma experienced in combat and areas of hostility as well as experienced Military Sexual Trauma and or harassment.

The Vet Center is also a resource center for veterans in general and can assist with signing up for VA health care, obtaining military records, file benefits claims, and referrals.

Correspondence Club

Saturday, April 12, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Correspondence Club invites people of all ages and abilities to make creative mail – cards, postcards, letters, envelopes-to connect with others near and far. Participants have access to a wide variety of supplies, including glue sticks, a diverse paper collection, scissors, envelope templates, tape, etc. Guidance is offered upon request by an experienced teacher and correspondent. At its best, mail art encourages generosity, reciprocity, delight, and gratitude. 

Opportunity Council: Early Learning and Family Services Outreach

Monday, April 14, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tuesday, April 29, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Visit the SkillShare Space at the Central Library to talk to members of the Opportunity Council’s Early Learning and Family Services team about preschool programs available throughout Whatcom County. Early Head Start supports infants and toddlers from birth to age 3, while Preschool and Head Start cater to children ages 3 to 5. 

A Poetic Journey to Belonging – Attuning to Our Interconnected World*

Monday, April 14, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

*Pre-registration required. Register online or contact the Help Desk at 360-778-7323 to sign up.

At a time of mounting fracture and divisiveness, it is even more necessary to attune to the deeper layer of the interconnected world.

This offering features a meditative, interactive and creative approach to attune to the maps of the Tao hidden in a set of Chinese characters. Through these characters as portals, you will awaken your ancient senses attuned to the interconnected world, and restore the original wisdom of your heart that you have not met. Together, we will embark on a poetic journey to discover the medicine of belonging in the chaotic and beautiful world we inhabit today. 

Join class instructors Spring Cheng and Sara Airoldi for this free program in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library.

Library Board Meeting

Tuesday, April 15, 3:30 – 5:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

Regular Library Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month in the Lecture Room at the Bellingham Public Central Library. Meetings begin at 3:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and is encouraged to check the library’s website for the meeting agenda and packet.

Creativity for Coping: Zine Workshop

Wednesday, April 16, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Join NAMI Whatcom staff for a free zine workshop in the SkillShare Space at the Bellingham Public Library. You will get the opportunity to make art, create your own zine (handmade magazine) and possibly discover your new favorite hobby. No registration required. For more information about this event, email namiadmin@namiwhatcom.org. 

The NAMI Whatcom mission is to provide hope and improve the quality of life for those affected by mental health conditions through support, education and advocacy. We envision a world where all people living with mental health conditions know that they are not alone and live fulfilling lives. NAMI Whatcom programs are no-cost and led by peers. Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library to find out what resources are available for anyone impacted by mental health conditions.  

Northwest Regional Council Outreach Specialist

Thursday, April 17, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in and talk to NWRC Outreach Specialists about how to become an in-home caregiver and other services NWRC provides or can connect you to. Northwest Regional Council is a local agency that provides support for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties. 

Learning Together Forum: Life on Land

Thursday, April 17, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

Bellingham Public Library is partnering with WWU’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and the Center for Community Learning to bring back another round of the popular Learning Together Forums. These events bring our community together to talk about sustainability. All are welcome. Share your hopes and challenges related to creating a more sustainable region and meet others doing inspirational work. Participants will leave with new connections and opportunities for action.

Forums are free and open to all. Snacks provided. No registration required.

Friends of the Bellingham Public Library Annual Meeting

Saturday, April 19, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library invite you to attend their Annual Friends of the Library Membership Meeting on Saturday, April 19 in the Central Library Lecture Room from 10 am to noon. The program includes a short business meeting, followed by a presentation on Disaster Preparedness from Greg Hope of the Whatcom Unified Emergency Coordination Center. Adult Services Librarian Katie Bray will present her annual list for recommended reading, which is always a favorite for the members. Coffee, tea and cookies will be served. If you’re not yet a member, you will have the opportunity to sign up to be one. Hope to see you there!

Spinning Fiber

Sunday, April 20, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

The SpinDrifters, Whatcom County’s spinning guild, will be in the SkillShare Space with their spinning wheels and drop spindles. Drop in anytime from 1 – 3pm to watch them demonstrate their skills. They love to show the public what they do and the different ways to spin different fibers. They will have spindles specifically for people to try out for themselves with donated fiber. The SpinDrifters are happy to help folks come over to the fiber side. 

Smart Trips Workshop: Biking with Kids

Monday, April 21, 10:30 – 11:30 am

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Please join Smart Trips’ Education Coordinator Libby Chenault in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library for a free workshop on 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.

Bellingham Reads Book Group

Tuesday, April 22, 12:00 – 1:00 pm IN-PERSON

Lecture Room, Central Library

Tuesday, April 22, 6:30 – 7:30 pm ONLINE*

Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In April we’ll be reading and discussing James by Percival Everett. Meet in-person 12:00 – 1:00 pm OR register for the online meeting at 6:30 pm.

Library Basics Tech Coaching*

Wednesdays, April 23 & April 30, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

*Patrons must pre-register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.

The Bellingham Public Library offers one-to-one assistance with basic technology skills for the following:

• accessing BPL’s digital library including downloading or streaming eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, eFilms and eMusic
• basic computer / smartphone / tablet / e-reader skills
• setting up and using email 

Street Law*

Saturday, April 26, 10:30 am – 2:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

*Pre-registration required. Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079 or info@lawadvocates.org to sign up.

Street Law is a free legal advice clinic for income-eligible people to ask questions and get assistance in one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers. Appointments are limited to 15-20 minutes, and registration is required; a limited number of walk-in appointments may be available, but are not guaranteed. 

Smart Trips Workshop: Confident City Cycling for Older Adults

Monday, April 28, 10:30 – 11:30 am

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Please join Smart Trips’ Education Coordinator Libby Chenault in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library for a free workshop on Confident City Cycling for Older Adults. Remember the joy of riding a bike, figure out what those green boxes on the roads are all about and hear special considerations for seniors, including whether an e-bike is the right choice for you. No registration required.

Narcan Training*

Wednesday, April 30, 5:00 – 5:45 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

*Space is limited and pre-registration is required. In this 45-minute Narcan training presented by Whatcom County EMS Training Specialist Steven Cohen, you will learn how to recognize an opioid overdose, administer Narcan, and care for the individual until emergency services arrive. 

Music Class with Music Together!

Tuesday, April 1, 10:00 – 11:00 am

Tuesday, April 1, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

Children ages birth to 5 and the grownups who love them® are invited for a fun-filled family music time. Ms. Audrey of Music Together Fairhaven will lead in music activities ranging from lullabies to full-on jam sessions (with child-friendly instruments).

Pokémon Club

Wednesday, April 2, 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 7 to 11. Join fellow Pokémon fanatics for a Pokémon meet-up. All experience levels welcome! Come with friends or make new ones! Enjoy crafts, games, and other activities. 

Nature Spies

Thursday, April 3, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lee Memorial Park, Central Library

For ages 3 to 8. A special outdoor read aloud followed by nature-inspired crafts and activities.

Sunday Crafternoon

Sunday, April 6, 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 10 to 14. Do you like crafting? How about crafts and snacks? Join us in the Lecture Room at the Central Library for a fun crafting activity. The program is free, and all materials are provided. No registration required.

Spring Terrariums*

Tuesday, April 8, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For youth ages 11 to 14. Come create a fabulous fantasy terrarium. All materials and snacks are provided. *Pre-registration is required.

Game Day

Wednesday, April 9, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children ages 5 to 12. Come play a variety of board games with us. We will also have Mario Kart available to play on the Nintendo Switch.

Building and Crafting Fun!

Thursday, April 10, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

Fun for children of all ages. We will have a variety of crafting and loose parts building materials for you to create with and use your imagination.

Let’s Read! A Middle School Book Group*

Thursday, April 10, 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

*Middle Grade Book Group is currently full. Please contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org for more information.

For 5th to 8th graders. Are you a middle schooler who would like to hang out and talk about books? If so, join us on the second Thursday of the month for our Middle Grade Book Group. We pick different books, we read them, and then each month we get together to talk about that book and have snacks.

Little Storytime

Mondays, April 14, 21, 28

Tuesdays, April 15, 22, 29

10:05, 10:35, and 11:05 am

Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages birth to 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.

Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch

Wednesdays, April 16, 23, 30

10:05, 10:45 and 11:25 am

Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch

For children ages birth to 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.

Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch

Wednesdays, April 16, 23, 30, 12:05 – 12:35 pm

Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch

For children ages 3 to 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.

Baby Time at the Bellis Fair Branch*

Wednesdays, April 16 – May 28, 2:30 – 3:30 pm (no class on May 21)

Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch

For babies ages birth to 12 months with a parent/caregiver. 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.

*Registration is required for this 6-week class. Wednesdays, April 16 – May 28 (no class on May 21).

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, April 17 and 24, 10:30 – 11:00 am

Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 to 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft. 

Library Explorers

Thursdays, April 17 and 24, 2:00 – 3:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 6 to 10 with families welcome. Explore the world and wonders of the library through fun stories, experiments, crafts and more.

Pajama Storytime

Thursday, April 17, 6:15 – 6:45pm

Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 to 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.

Stories and Play

Fridays, April 18 and 25, 10:05 – 11:05 am and 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

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

Baby Time*

Fridays, April 18 – May 30, 10:30 – 11:30 am (no class on May 23)

Dodson Room, Central Library

For babies ages birth to 12 months with a parent/caregiver. 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.

Registration is required for this 6-week class. Fridays, April 18 – May 30 (no class on May 23)

Builders Club

Monday, April 21, 3:30 – 5:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children ages 4 to 12. Unleash the builder in you. Join us for monthly building challenges. All supplies are provided, including Legos, straw connectors, and more. Duplos and other blocks will also be available for younger children. 

Builders Club at the Fairhaven Branch

Wednesday, April 23, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

Fireplace Room, Central Library

For children ages 4 to 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

Financial Literacy with WECU for ages 5 – 8

Saturday, April 26, 1:30 – 2:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children ages 5 to 8. Join WECU for a youth financial literacy program. We will start with a story and WECU will introduce children to financial basics – saving, borrowing, spending, and more.

Financial Literacy with WECU for ages 9 – 13

Saturday, April 26, 2:15 – 3:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For youth ages 9 to 13. Join WECU for a youth financial literacy program that will cover financial basics – saving, borrowing, spending, and financial planning for the future.

Getting Crafty

Monday, April 28, 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 6 to 12. Join us for some crafting fun. 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.

Bilingual Song Circle with Spring Cheng

Tuesday, April 29, 4:00 – 4:50 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children ages 2 and up. Let’s sing songs in a circle and enjoy melody inspired by the beauty of ancient Chinese poetry. Experience the joy of music that celebrates the harmony between people and nature. We will also create new songs through playful games and turning your family’s stories into music. This is a bilingual program in both English and Mandarin Chinese led by Spring Cheng.

北陵海歌苑：歌谣吟唱古诗词和源自生活的灵感

 全家共享的奇妙音乐之旅，与来自东方的心声韵律共鸣！ 
欢迎您与您的孩子参与！适合所有年龄段

带上您的孩子，一起围坐歌唱！沉浸在由中国古诗词之美所启发的歌谣中，感受人与自然和谐共鸣的音乐魅力。通过充满趣味的游戏，我们还将一起创作新的歌曲，让您的生活趣事和家庭故事化作美妙的乐章。