Spring has arrived! In April, Bellingham Public Library features special programs for kids during Spring Break, including crafting, building and games. Activities for all ages continue throughout the month. The Library also celebrates National Poetry Month in April with book displays highlighting poetry, as well as short stories and plays, and book recommendations for children, teens and adults.
All library programs are free of charge. Please read the following list carefully for appropriate ages, days and times. Follow the links or visit the Bellingham Public Library online events calendar to add any of the programs listed below to your personal calendar.
Please note: regular storytimes are on a break and will resume the week of April 13.
April 2026 Library Programs for Children and Teens
Let’s Read! A Middle Grade Book Group*
Thursday, April 2, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Conference Room, Central Library
For youth in 5th – 8th grade. Our book group usually meets on the second Thursday of each month, but will meet on the first Thursday in April. Snacks provided.
*Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org about registration information.
Spring Succulent Terrariums
Monday, April 6, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For youth in 5th – 8th grade. Make and take a tiny desert landscape, complete with real succulents. All materials and snacks provided.
Builders Club
Tuesday, April 7, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 4 – 12. Join us for new 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 8, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Fireplace Room, Fairhaven 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.
Game Day
Thursday, April 9, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 5 – 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!
Friday, 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.
Little Storytime
10:05 – 10:35 am, 10:35 – 11:05 am, or 11:05 – 11:35 am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.
Library Explorers
Mondays, April 13, 20 & 27, 3:30 – 4:15 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 6 – 10 with families welcome. Explore the world and wonders of the library through fun stories, experiments, crafts and more.
Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, April 15, 22, & 29
10:05 – 10:35 am, 10:45 – 11:15 am, or 11:25 – 11:55 am
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun. Note: If entering the mall before 11 am, use the entrance next to Target or the Food Court entrance.
Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, April 15, 22, & 29, 12:05 – 12:35 pm
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs
Los miércoles, el 15 de abril – 13 de mayo /Wednesdays, April 15 – May 13, 4:00 – 4:40 pm
Dodson Room, la biblioteca central/Dodson Room, Central Library
Los sábados, el 18 de abril – 16 de mayo/ Saturdays, April 18 – May 16, 11:05 – 11:45 am
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.
Preschool Storytime
Thursdays, April 16, 23, & 30, 10:30 – 11:00 am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.
Art Lab
Thursday, April 16, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For youth in 5th – 8th grades. Feeling creative? Come to Art Lab! Each month we will focus on a specific art medium and we’ll get creative together. All supplies provided.
Pajama Storytime
Thursday, April 16, 5:15 – 5:45 pm
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 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
10:05 – 11:05 am and 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 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.
Pokémon Club
Thursday, April 23, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 7 – 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.
April 2026 Library Programs for Adults
Library Basics Tech Coaching*
Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, & 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
Small Looms
Saturday, April 4, 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 firsthand experience.
Working Families Tax Credit: A Tax Refund for Washington Workers and Their Families
Tuesday, April 7, 2:00 – 5:45 pm – EVENT CANCELED
SkillShare Space, Central Library
The WA Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) is a Washington state tax refund that helps low-to-moderate income workers and their families get more money back at tax time. The refund returns a portion of state sales tax paid each year. Payments are based on income level and the number of qualifying children. Payments of up to $1,290 are available to individuals and families who meet the eligibility requirements and it may be possible to receive payments from the year 2023 to present.
Drop in and talk to Quynh-Anh Nguyen, Department of Revenue WFTC Outreach Specialist to find out more information.
Bellingham Vet Center Information
Thursday, April 9, 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 provide 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 11, 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, and 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.
Resource Navigation with Community Health Plan of WA
Monday, April 13, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Facing any barriers? Come receive help navigating resources available in the community, insurance benefits, and more with Adrian, Whatcom County Community Health Worker with Community Health Plan of Washington. Those without Community Health Plan of Washington insurance can also receive assistance navigating resources but will not have access to the benefits specifically tied to this insurance.
Drop-In Home Item Repair
Tuesdays, April 14 & 21, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Bring your broken household items to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and work with skilled volunteers from Northwest 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.
NAMI Whatcom Resources and Advocacy
Wednesday, April 15, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
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.
Opportunity Council Community Resource Connections
Thursday, April 16, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in to learn more about Opportunity Council services, get assistance completing Basic Food Benefit applications, and sign up for Bill Discount Rates through Puget Sound Energy and Cascade Natural Gas.
Typewriters 101: An Introduction to Operation and Maintenance
Thursday, April 16, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Join us for a hands-on exploration of one of the most revolutionary machines in the literary world: typewriters! With a rich history that echoes through our modern era, typewriters have been employed for letter writing, remote journalism, storytelling and poetry, and even as a liberation device that enabled women to enter the office workforce in droves. Despite the ubiquity of computers and their endless ability to edit, decades later typewriters persist as writing instruments that inspire authors with a slower, more intentional writing style. The sound alone of a typewriter in use is hypnotic: from type bars hitting the cylinder to the ding warning the end of the line is mere characters away, typewriters draw you in.
With six popular models of typewriters ready for exploration, this presentation is designed to engage library patrons of all ages. Local typewriter aficionado Jennifer Dunn will provide information and tutorials about the typewriters presented as well as tips to clean and repair that dusty typewriter in your attic. The typewriters on display will have excerpts from the authors who used and popularized particular models, paper to test out and free write, and a clean/repair evaluation station for those who bring in their typewriters for an inspection and guidance.
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library Annual Meeting
Saturday, April 18, 10:00 am – 12:30 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 18. The program will include a short business meeting, followed by a presentation by Adult Services Librarian Katie Bray, who 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 of the Friends, you will have the opportunity to sign up to be one.
Bellingham Public Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 21, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
Regular Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month in the Lecture Room at the Bellingham Public Central Library, 210 Central Avenue. Meetings begin at 3:30 pm. The public is welcome to attend and is encouraged to check the library’s website for the meeting agenda and packet.
Smart Trips Workshop: Bike Maintenance
Thursday, April 23, 4:00 – 5:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop by the SkillShare space to practice basic bike maintenance with Libby Chenault from Smart Trips. Learn how to lube a chain, pump a tire or fix a flat, then take your new skills home to keep your bike rolling smoothly. Find out which tools are essential, how often you should perform these simple tasks and when your bike needs a more serious repair. Note: You will not be able to bring your own bicycle into the Library for this event.
Street Law at the Library*
Saturday, April 25, 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.
Whatcom Community College Open House Information Session
Monday, April 27, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
This program provides community members with a welcoming opportunity to explore the educational options and support services available at Whatcom Community College. Drop by to find out about programs, resources, and pathways to college, and get personalized help to make informed decisions about your next educational steps. WCC staff will be able to assist with applications, accessing information, and connecting you with resources to support your learning journey.
Bellingham Reads Book Group
Tuesday, April 28, 12:00 – 1:00 pm In-Person
Lecture Room, Central Library
Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Online*
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The featured title for April is 438 Days by Jonathan Franklin. Meet in-person 12:00 – 1:00 pm OR *register for the online meeting at 6:30 pm by contacting Suzanne at scarlson-prandini@cob.org or 360-778-7236.
View this list of library programs at BellinghamPublicLibrary.org.
Media Contact: Annette Bagley, Bellingham Public Library, Head of Community Relations, ambagley@cob.org
