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Bellingham Public Library 2023 Summer Reading Program Starts June 1

It’s time for Summer Reading! Bellingham Public Library invites community members of all ages to participate in its Summer Reading program June 1 – Aug. 31, 2023. Special events include Library Card Night at the Bellingham Bells, Library Parties in the Park, and two Children’s Craft Fairs.

The Library has prepared Summer Reading Activity Cards and prizes for four age groups: Early Learners, Kids, Teens and Adults. The activity cards are available at bellinghampubliclibrary.org in English, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. Summer Reading cards include the following activities and can be redeemed at any Bellingham Public Library branch, June 1 – Aug. 31.

  • Early Learners: Kids ages birth – 5 years are invited to complete activities that get them talking, singing, reading, writing and playing. When done, finishers will receive a free book, finger puppet and Summer Reading SUPERSTAR yard/window sign.
  • Kids: Kids ages 5 – 12 are invited to set an individual goal for their reading this summer. When done, finishers will receive a free book, mystery coupon from a community partner and Summer Reading SUPERSTAR yard/window sign.
  • Teens: Youth ages 12 – 19 are invited to complete any five squares on their Summer Reading card. Finishers receive a free book and are entered into drawings for prizes.
  • Adults (18+) are invited to complete any five squares on their Summer Reading card. Finishers will be entered into drawings for prizes.

2023 Summer Reading is generously supported by The Friends of Bellingham Public Library and community sponsor WECU. Prize Partners include: The Bagelry, Boomers, Colophon Café, Great Harvest Bread, It’s the Sweet Things, Menchie’s, Mindport Exhibits, Pizza Time, Pure Bliss Desserts, Robeks, Spark Museum.

Library Card Night at Bellingham Bells, June 8

Bellingham Public Library is set to kick off Summer Reading with Library Card Night at the Bellingham Bells on Thursday, June 8 at Joe Martin Field. Gates open at 5:30 pm. Game time is 6:30 pm. Show your Library card at the Bellingham Bells ticket office on June 8 for a complimentary general admission ticket to the home game that night. One ticket per Library card. Library staff will be at the ballpark to share Summer Reading recommendations. This is a family-friendly experience for all ages. General admission is first-come, first-served on either the grass seating area, the first-base bleachers (A-D) or the third-base bleachers (L-K). For more ticket and ballpark info see BellinghamBells.com.

Library Parties in the Parks

Bellingham Public Library will host two outdoor Library Parties in Parks for children (birth to teenagers) where young readers will receive a free book, have a chance to talk with library staff about books, take a StoryWalk® and participate in other reading-inspired activities. The free events are June 28, 5 – 7 p.m. at Cordata Park, and July 13, 1 – 3 p.m. at Fairhaven Park.

Children’s Craft Fairs

Bellingham Public Library will host two Children’s Craft Fairs in 2023. Beginning June 1, children ages 5 to 13 can sign up at bellinghampubliclibrary.org for a booth at one of the two events, then spend the summer planning and making crafts to sell. Children’s Craft Fair dates are July 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Lee Memorial Park (aka the Library Lawn), and Aug. 11, 5 – 7 p.m. at Bellis Fair Mall. All community members are invited to attend the Children’s Craft Fairs to support young entrepreneurs. All sales are cash only, and all items will be priced at $5 or less.

About BPL

Bellingham Public Library (BPL) serves residents within the city limits of Bellingham with online resources and four locations: Central Library (downtown Bellingham), Barkley (Barkley Village), Fairhaven and Bellis Fair Mall. Apply for a free library card at any location or online at bellinghampubliclibrary.org

Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library System share a collection, resulting in a robust selection of library materials for Bellingham and Whatcom County neighbors. Readers may also join Whatcom County Library System’s Summer Reading Program at wcls.org/summer-reading.

Media contacts:

Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, ambagley@cob.org, (360) 778-7206

Bethany Hoglund, Deputy Director, bhoglund@cob.org, (360) 778-7263