Participate in Democracy series at the Bellingham Public Library Fall 2026

Federal Civics 101: How Should We Celebrate America at 250?

Wednesday, September 9, 4:00 – 5:30 pm*

Lecture Room, Central Library

In this 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this interactive workshop will explore the words and legacies of the Declaration and other “Founding Documents.” After reading the Declaration aloud and learning about its role in U.S. and global history, participants will discuss what the Declaration can mean to us now.

Program provided by Michael Bowman, Rural Civic Engagement Specialist, Office of the Secretary of State of Washington. Pizza will be provided for participants. *Register for this session. Registration is helpful for estimating food order, but is not required.

Civil Discussion: Should Washington Rivers Have Rights?

Thursday, September 10, 4:00 – 5:30 pm*

Lecture Room, Central Library

Should Washington rivers have rights? Join us for an interactive deliberation on granting legal rights to rivers. We’ll explore an ongoing case related to the Snohomish River and consider how cases like it could impact environmental and governance decisions in Washington. 

Program provided by Michael Bowman, Rural Civic Engagement Specialist, Office of the Secretary of State of Washington. Pizza will provided for participants. *Register for this session. Registration is helpful for estimating food order, but is not required.

Voter Registration with League of Women Voters

Monday, September 14, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

The League of Women Voters (LWV) will be tabling to register voters, update addresses, and answer questions about the November 3 local election. The LWV are non-partisan. Did you know you can also register to vote online, update your information, and track your ballot at VoteWA.gov website?

Local Civics: How Do Local Governments Work and How Can I Engage?

Friday, October 16, 4:00 – 5:30 pm*

Lecture Room, Central Library

Learn about the forms and functions of city and county governments, special purpose districts, advisory boards, and commissions. This event will feature a panel of local government staff (To Be Announced).

Program provided by Michael Bowman, Rural Civic Engagement Specialist, Office of the Secretary of State of Washington. Pizza will provided for participants. *Register for this session. Registration is helpful for estimating food order, but is not required.

Civil Discussion: Voting in Local Elections

Saturday, October 17, 12:00 – 1:30 pm*

Lecture Room, Central Library

Should Washington state allow local elections to be done through Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV)? This discussion examines an ongoing policy debate about letting local jurisdictions adopt Ranked‑Choice Voting. Learn what RCV is, how it works, and what effects it could have on local elections and voter representation.

Program provided by Michael Bowman, Rural Civic Engagement Specialist, Office of the Secretary of State of Washington. Pizza will provided for participants. *Register for this session. Registration is helpful for estimating food order, but is not required.

Voter Registration with League of Women Voters

Saturday, October 17, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

The League of Women Voters (LWV) will be tabling to register voters, update addresses, and answer questions about the November 3 local election. The LWV are non-partisan. Did you know you can also register to vote online, update your information, and track your ballot at VoteWA.gov website?

Civil Discussion: Data Center Expansion

Tuesday, November 10, 12:00 – 1:30 pm*

Bellis Fair Library Multipurpose Room

Should Washington state limit the expansion of data centers? Data centers, which house large numbers of computers to store and process digital information, are vital to digital infrastructure but raise questions about energy, water, land use, and economic impact. Join us for an interactive discussion about the ongoing policy debate in Olympia and beyond.

Program provided by Michael Bowman, Rural Civic Engagement Specialist, Office of the Secretary of State of Washington. Pizza will be provided. *Register for this session. Registration is helpful for estimating food order, but is not required.