Bellingham Public Library features a variety of programs in August for all ages. Highlights include the Children’s Craft Fair at the Bellis Fair Mall, Summer Night Stories, Cuentos al parque (Stories in the Park) at Cordata Park, and a weekly library-led Storytime for kids at Barkley Village Green. Library card holders can also check out a Discover Pass for access to Washington State Parks.
Throughout the month of August, Bellingham Public Library will feature Science Fiction and Fantasy book displays and staff recommendations at all locations.
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 programs to your personal calendar.
August 2026 Programs for All Ages
Books and Brews Book Sale
Saturday, August 1, 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Wander Brewing, 1807 Dean Ave.
The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library are collaborating once again with Wander Brewing for a “Books and Brews” pop-up sale on Saturday, August 1 from noon to 5 pm. 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, as well as graphic novels, sci-fi, cookbooks, beer books, puzzles, games and more. Come say hello to the Friends and get some great books to read this summer. All proceeds will go to support the Bellingham Central Library Renovation.
Children’s Craft Fair at the Bellis Fair Mall
Friday, August 21, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Inside Bellis Fair Mall
Enjoy a wide array of handmade crafts and baked goods created by children ages 13 and younger. All items are priced $5 or less; cash only sales. Fun for all ages to shop for unique treasures and support local youth.
August 2026 Programs for Children and Teens
Library Explorers
Monday, August 3, 11:00 – 11:45 am
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
10:05 – 10:35 am, 10:35 – 11:05 am, & 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.
Math Fun at the Fairhaven Branch!
Tuesday, August 4, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Library
For youth in 4th – 6th grade. Explore Seattle Universal Math Museum’s (SUMM) math activity kits! Join us for fun and interactive math games and activities.
Summer Night Stories
Tuesday, August 4, 5:15 – 5:45 pm
Lee Memorial Park
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.
Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
10:05 – 10:35 am, 10:45 – 11:15 am, & 11:25 – 11:55 am
Early Learning Space, Bellis Fair Mall
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
Wednesday, August 5, 12:05 – 12:35 pm
Early Learning Space, Bellis Fair Mall
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.
Barkley Market Storytime
Thursdays, August 6, 13, 20, & 27, 11:00 – 11:20 am
Barkley Village Green
Join the library for a 20 minute outdoor storytime at the Barkley Market on the Barkley Village Green, every Thursday in July and August at 11 am. We’ll read a fun story, sing silly songs and wiggle on the grass in the fresh air.
Design a Duck
Thursday, August 6, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For youth in grades 5 – 8. Design, decorate, and take home your own “Diva Duck!” All supplies provided.
Cuentos al parque / Stories at the Park
Thursday, August 6, 3:00 – 3:45 pm
Cordata Park
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!
Stories and Play
10:05 – 11:05 am & 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.
Builders Club
Tuesday, August 11, 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.
Backyard Boogie: K-Pop and More!
Wednesday, August 12, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Lee Memorial Park
For school age kids up to 8th grade and their families. Join us for a dance and craft party. Crafts for kids in 4th – 8th grade (and younger with adult assistance), outdoor games, and groovy tunes. Celebrate K-Pop music, and K-Pop Demon Hunters,
Let’s Read! A Middle Grade Book Group*
Thursday, August 13, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For youth entering 5th – 8th grade in the fall. Join us for book discussion, activities, and snacks.
*Pre-registration is required. Contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org for registration information.
Building and Crafting Fun!
Friday, August 14, 10:00 am – 12:00 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.
Art Lab
Thursday, August 20, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For youth in 5th – 8th grade. 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.
Pokémon Club
Monday, August 24, 10:30 – 11:30 am
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.
Winnie-the-Pooh Party!
Wednesday, August 26, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Outdoor Classroom at Fairhaven Park
For children of all ages and their families/caregivers. Meet us in Bellingham’s own Hundred Acre Wood (Fairhaven Park) to celebrate our favorite silly old bear. We’ll start with a storytime in the Outdoor Classroom, then enjoy Pooh Bear-inspired games and crafts.
Builders Club at the Fairhaven Branch Library
Thursday, August 27, 2:00 – 4:00 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.
Open Play Time
Friday, August 28, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
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.
August 2026 Programs for Adults
Affordable Homeownership: Drop-In with Kulshan Community Land Trust
Wednesday, August 5, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Kulshan Community Land Trust (Kulshan CLT) staff will answer your questions and offer information about our shared equity homeownership program, including: how shared equity homeownership works, who is eligible for their affordable homeownership program, how to apply, and what Kulshan CLT is doing to expand affordable homeownership opportunities for Whatcom County.
Library Basics Tech Coaching*
Thursdays, August 6, 13, 20, & 27, 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
Correspondence Club
Saturday, August 8, 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.
Whatcom Community College Open House Information Session
Monday, August 10, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Wednesday, August 26, 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.
Drop-In Home Item Repair
Tuesdays, August 11 & 18, 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. For more information see NW Free Repairs.
Typewriters 101: An Introduction to Operation and Maintenance
Wednesday, August 12, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Enjoy 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.
Bellingham Vet Center Information
Thursday, August 13, 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.
Spinning Fiber
Saturday, August 15, 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 1:00 – 3:00 pm to watch them demonstrate their skills. They love to show the public what they do and the multiple 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.
Resource Navigation with Community Health Plan of WA
Monday, August 17, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Facing any barriers? 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.
Bellingham Public Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, August 18, 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 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 Resources and Advocacy
Wednesday, August 19, 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, August 20, 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.
Ragfinery Mending Workshop
Friday, August 21, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Have clothing or gear that could use a little loving (i.e. rips, tears, holes)? Visit the library for a FREE mending lesson from talented Ragfinery volunteers. Learn how to repair your clothes in real time and walk away with a fixed garment & a new skill.
Please note that “mending” refers to patching, replacing buttons, darning knitwear, etc. Mending excludes more involved processes such as hemming and alterations.
Street Law at the Library*
Saturday, August 22, 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
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 required. Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079 or info@lawadvocates.org to sign up.
NW Regional Council Outreach Specialist Onsite
Tuesday, August 25, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
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 25, 12:00 – 1:00 pm In-Person
Lecture Room, Central Library
Tuesday, August 25, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Online*
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In August we’ll be reading and discussing Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers. Meet in-person 12:00 – 1:00 pm OR register for the online meeting at 6:30 pm online or by contacting Suzanne at scarlson-prandini@cob.org or 360-778-7236.
View this list of library programs at BellinghamPublicLibrary.org.
