Bellingham Public Library features programs and events at multiple library branches, parks and community locations in August 2025, including the Children’s Craft Fair at the Bellis Fair Mall on Friday, August 22. The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library will also host a pop-up book sale at Wander Brewing on Saturday, August 2.
A full schedule of activities for adults and children is listed below. All Bellingham Public Library activities are free of charge. Visit BellinghamPublicLibrary.org for more information about Library services and programs.
August Library Programs for All Ages
Children’s Craft Fair at Bellis Fair Mall
Friday, August 22, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Inside the Bellis Fair Mall
All community members are invited to support young entrepreneurs by shopping for a wide array of handmade crafts and baked goods created by children 13 and under. All items are priced $5 or less; cash only sales. This is a festive event for all ages to to browse for treasures made by kids.
August Library Programs for Children and Teens
Stories and Play
Fridays, August 1 and August 8
10:05 – 11:05 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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. Enjoy stories, songs, play and activities.
Baby Time*
Mondays, August 4 and August 11
10:30 – 11:30 am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For babies ages birth – 12 months with an adult partner. Songs, rhymes, bounces, movement, and stories. *Pre-registration is required; August sessions are full. Call 360-778-7266 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for more information.
Little Storytime
Tuesday, August 5
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 at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesday, August 6
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 entering the mall before 11 a.m., use the entrance next to Target or the Food Court entrance.
Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesday, August 6
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, fingerplays, and a simple craft.
Summer Night Stories
Wednesday, August 6
5:15 – 5:45 p.m.
Lee Memorial Park, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 8 and their families. Delight in an evening of stories, songs, and games. Bring a blanket to sit on if you’d like.
Barkley Market Storytimes
Thursdays, August 7, 14, 21 and 28
11:00 – 11:20 a.m.
Barkley Market Green
Join the library for a 20 minute outdoor storytime at the Barkley Market on the Barkley Village Green, every Thursday in August at 11 am. We’ll read a fun story, sing silly songs and wiggle on the grass in the fresh air.
Library Explorers
Thursday, August 7
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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.
Middle School Dungeons and Dragons Summer Meet Ups
Thursdays, August 7, 14, 21, and 28
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For youth in grades 6 – 9. Join Austin from the Shuksan Middle School D&D group to learn about and play Dungeons and Dragons. All supplies provided. For more information, contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org.
Let’s Read! A Middle School Book Group
Thursday, August 7
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For youth in 5th – 8th grade. The Library’s Middle School book group meets on the second Thursday of each month. Snacks provided. Contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org about registration information. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited.
Sunday Crafternoon at the Library
Sunday, August 10
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 10 – 14. Do you like crafting? Enjoy fun and creative crafting. The program is free, and all snacks and materials are provided. No registration required.
Backyard Boogie: Fantastic Fairy Fest
Wednesday, August 13
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lee Memorial Park, Central Library
For school age kids up to 8th grade and their families. Enjoy a dance and craft party. Crafts for kids in 4th through 8th grade (and younger with adult assistance), outdoor games, and groovy tunes.
Builders Club at the Fairhaven Library
Wednesday, August 13
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Branch 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.
Cuentos al parque / Stories at the Park
El jueves, el 14 de agosto/Thursday, August 14
3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Cordata Park – 4510 Cordata Pkwy.
Una hora de cuentos bilingües al aire libre para niños de todas las edades y sus cuidadores/familias. Acompáñenos a Cordata Park para cuentos y canciones divertidos en español y inglés–¡y burbujas! / A bilingual outdoor storytime for kids of all ages and their caregivers/families. Join us at Cordata Park for fun stories and songs in both Spanish and English—plus bubbles!
Open Play Time
Friday, August 15
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages birth – 5 with siblings and family welcome. Join us for playtime and socializing through facilitated open play. We will have a variety of fun play materials, toys, and books to explore.
Postcard Project
Friday, August 15
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 4 – 11. Join library staff for a special read-aloud, followed by the chance to make your own postcard. Remember to bring the address of someone you love; we’ll end the program by mailing our creations.
Builders Club
Monday, August 18
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 4 – 12. Join library staff 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.
Nature Spies
Tuesday, August 19
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lee Memorial Park, Central Library
For ages 3 – 8. A special outdoor read aloud followed by nature-inspired crafts and activities.
Pokémon Club
Tuesday, August 19
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 7 – 11. Join fellow Pokémon fanatics for a Pokémon meet-up at the Library. All experience levels welcome. Come with friends or make new ones. Enjoy crafts, games, and other activities.
Dog Day Afternoons*
Thursdays, August 21 and August 28
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 6 – 12. Each child will have 30 minutes to read aloud to a dog at the Library. Each dog has passed behavioral training and will be with their owner, a Humane Society volunteer. *Registration is required and is for both sessions. Your 30 minute timeslot will be emailed to you before the first date.
Middle Grade Meetup
Monday, August 25
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For youth entering grades 5th – 8th grade in the Fall. Join library staff and members of our Middle Grade Book Group for fun activities, snacks, and lots of talking about books. Registration is not required. All snacks and supplies provided. For more information, email lsnorman@cob.org.
Rhythm Kids Music Class with Music Together
Wednesday, August 27
4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 5 – 8 and the grownups who love them®. Ms. Grace of Music Together Fairhaven will lead big kids in musical games, rhythm pattern play, drumming, and inspire everyone to explore their musicality in new ways at the library.
August Library Programs for Adults
Books and Brews Book Sale
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Wander Brewing, 1807 Dean Ave.
The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library are collaborating with Wander Brewing for a “Books and Brews” pop-up sale on Saturday, August 2 from noon to 5:00 p.m. Wander Brewing is located at 1807 Dean Ave. across from Bellingham High School. There will be fiction and non-fiction books for adults, teens and kids. Graphic novels, sci-fi, cookbooks, beer books, puzzles, games and more. Say hello to the Friends and get some great summer reading. All proceeds will go to support the upcoming Bellingham Central Library Renovation project.
Home Emergency Preparedness: Residential Utility Safety
5:00 – 5:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
In this series offered by the Bellingham Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management, participants will share and discuss a different topic each month. In August the focus will be on Residential Utility Safety. Learn how to turn off utilities in an emergency, and why this might be necessary in a disaster scenario. Classes are free and no registration is necessary.
Library Basics Tech Coaching*
Wednesdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
The Bellingham Public Library offers one-to-one assistance with basic technology skills including accessing BPL’s digital library, downloading or streaming eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, eFilms and eMusic, basic computer, smartphone, tablet, and e-reader skills, and setting up and using email. *Patrons must pre-register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
Next Chapter: Your Online Education Journey
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
GCU (Grand Canyon University) invites you to join local program counselors as they present higher education and scholarship opportunities. Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library to ask questions about online schooling, financial aid, navigating degree program choices and how continuing education may be the next chapter in your story.
Correspondence Club
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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.
Finding Help with whatcomresources.org
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
In this hour-long hands-on presentation, Drew Whatley from Opportunity Council and the Whatcom Resource Information Collaborative will walk through how to utilize whatcomresources.org. Drew will provide some background on the ongoing community project, how to use advanced search features, and take suggestions and feedback on the tool. Useful for people trying to find services available to them as well as community advocates who help others navigate the social service landscape.
Drop-In Home Item Repair
Tuesdays, August 12 and August 19
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
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
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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.
Spinning Fiber
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
The SpinDrifters, Whatcom County’s spinning guild, will be in the Library’s SkillShare Space with their spinning wheels and drop spindles. Drop in 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.
Appleseed Open Forum
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Appleseed Open Forum is your chance to talk about the topics you want to discuss. Each one-hour session is divided into two parts. The group will decide on a topic and discuss it for half an hour. For the second half hour, the group will choose a new topic, or continue the first discussion. Everyone is welcome.
Bellingham Public Library Board Meeting
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
Regular Library Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month in the Lecture Room at the Bellingham 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.
NAMI Whatcom Ending the Silence: Families Edition
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
NAMI will provide a presentation to help community members learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms. This presentation is geared towards adults with middle or high school aged youth in the home or in their lives and will include facts and statistics, how to talk with youth, how to work with school staff, and more. The community is invited to ask questions and gain understanding of an often-misunderstood topic. Through dialogue, we can help grow the movement to end stigma.
WCC Open House: Pathways to Higher Education
4:00 – 5:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and talk to Whatcom Community College staff in person about college options, financial aid, program details, and any other questions you may have about enrollment, whether it’s to earn your GED, a specialized certification, or college degree.
Street Law at the Library*
10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
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. *Pre-registration is required. Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079 or info@lawadvocates.org to sign up.
NW Regional Council Outreach Specialist Onsite
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in and talk to NWRC Outreach Specialist about the WA Cares Fund and information about how to connect with other resources at NWRC. Northwest Regional Council is a local agency that provides support for older adults and people with disabilities in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties.
Bellingham Reads Book Group*
Tuesday, August 26
Lecture Room, Central Library
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Online* (Registration required)
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In August we’ll be reading and discussing Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. Meet in-person 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. OR register for the online meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Media Contact: Annette Bagley, Bellingham Public Library, Head of Community Relations, ambagley@cob.org
