Bellingham Public Library presents the following programs for adults and children in February 2023. Locations are noted for each program, including the Central Library, Bellis Fair Mall and online. For more information see BellinghamPublicLibrary.org.
Adult Programs
Tech Basics Coaching
Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Pre-registration required* With the help of Volunteer Tech Helpers, the Library offers one-on-one coaching on basic tech skills. Tech Basics Coaching is offered on Wednesday afternoons. *Patrons must pre-register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
Story Night with the Bellingham Storytellers Guild
Friday, February 3, 4:30 – 5:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
An evening of storytelling for all ages by members of the Bellingham Storytellers Guild. This program is free and family friendly, though geared toward older children and adults. Come enjoy the performance art of storytelling. Drop-ins welcome.
Drop-In Little Looms
Saturday, February 4, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Drop in for hands-on on weaving with fiber arts. Members of the Whatcom Weavers Guild will bring projects to demonstrate and answer questions.
English Conversation Class
Tuesdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
English Conversation Class is offered by the Whatcom Literacy Council for adult learners who want to practice speaking in English. English Conversation Class will focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking in a casual and comfortable setting. The program is open to all levels.
Household Emergency Preparedness
Tuesday, February 7, 6:00 – 6:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham 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, including: an overview of our local hazards, the fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting your 2-week kit, preparing in a year, creating your household plan, and more.
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday, February 11, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library indoor pop-up book sale. All proceeds benefit your library.
Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop
Tuesdays, February 14 & 21, 4:30 – 6:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Drop in and work with skilled volunteers from NW Free Repairs to learn how to repair your broken household items so they don’t end up in a landfill. Please note: broken items may not be dropped off.
Drop-In Northwest Regional Council Outreach
Thursday, February 16, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Skillshare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Drop in and talk to an Outreach Specialist from Northwest Regional Council about services they provide and opportunities to become an in-home caregiver for low-income adults.
Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 21, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
Regular Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month in the Lecture Room at the Bellingham Public Central Library. 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.
Street Law
Saturday, February 25, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Pre-registration required (starting February 13)*
Street Law is a free legal advice clinic where people can ask questions and get assistance in one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers. Appointments are limited to 15-20 minutes, and registration is required. *Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079, ext 16 or www.lawadvocates.org to pre-register.
Whatcom READS Online Events
Unsettling Settler-Colonial Education
Thursday, February 16, 5:00 – 6:00 pm Online
Pre-registration required*
Join us for an interactive book discussion with co-editors Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn of University of Washington-Tacoma, Dr. Anna Lees of Western Washington University and Dr. Cornel Pewewardy of Portland State University. The book presents an innovative framework for promoting critical consciousness toward decolonization efforts among educators. The impacts of colonization and racism are described in The Cold Millions. *Pre-register to participate at: WhatcomReads.org
History of Spokane
Saturday, February 25, 3:00 – 4:00 pm Online
Pre-registration required*
Lynden Library Assistant Branch Manager Wendy McLeod was born and raised in Spokane and she’ll share the history of the city at the heart of The Cold Millions. *Pre-register to participate at: WhatcomReads.org
Bellingham Reads Book Group
Tuesday, February 28, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, In-Person
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The February title is our 2023 Whatcom READS book The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. It is available in print, ebook and audiobook. No registration required for in-person meeting.
Tuesday, February 28, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Online
Registration required for online meeting*
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The February title is our 2023 Whatcom READS book The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. It is available in print, ebook and audiobook. *Contact Suzanne at scarlson-prandini@cob.org or 360-778-7236 to register and receive the Zoom link.
Map Your Neighborhood
Tuesday, February 28, 6:00 – 6:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Map Your Neighborhood is a simple community-driven program that brings neighbors together to share information and develop their plan for emergencies and disasters. Learning to plan and work together as a neighborhood makes our community stronger and improves the quality of life for us all. Instructor Greg Hope is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Bellingham Fire Department Office of Emergency Management and can provide the materials and show you how to do it.
Children’s Programs
Little Storytime
Mondays, February 6, 13, 27
Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23
10:05, 10:35, 11:05 am
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join in simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.
Little Storytime at the Mall*
Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22
10:05, 10:45, 11:25 am Bellis Fair Mall*
(store space near the play area)
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join in simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun. *If attending a storytime prior to 11:00 am, please use the Mall Entrance at the Food Court or near Target.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28
10:05, 10:45 am
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join in fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Preschool Storytime at the Mall*
Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22
12:05 pm Bellis Fair Mall*
(store space near the play area)
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join in fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Time for Tales
Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23
2:00 pm
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For children ages 4 – 8 with families welcome. Enjoy fun stories and songs.
Cuentos y canciones / Stories and Songs
Saturdays, February 4, 11, 18 Los sábados, el 4, 11, 18 de febrero
10:05 – 10:50 am & 11:05 – 11:50 am
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
Un tiempo de cuentos bilingües para edades de nacimiento – 5 con hermanos y familias bienvenidos. Disfrute de cuentos y canciones divertidos en español y inglés.
A bilingual storytime for ages birth – 5 with siblings and family welcome. Enjoy fun stories and songs in both Spanish and English.
Baby Time
Fridays, February 3, 10, 17, 24
10:30 – 11:30 am
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For babies ages birth – 12 months with an adult partner. Songs, rhymes, bounces, movement, and stories! ** Pre-registration is required** Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information. Registration is for a 6 week session.
Mondays, February 6, 13, 27
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For babies ages birth – 12 months with an adult partner. Songs, rhymes, bounces, movement, and stories! ** Pre-registration is required** Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information. Registration is for a 6 week session.
Stories and Play
Mondays, February 6, 13, 27
10:05 – 11:05 am & 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Lecture Room, Bellingham 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.
Fridays, February 3, 10, 17, 24
10:05 – 11:05 am & 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Lecture Room, Bellingham 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.
Builders Club
Friday, February 17
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
For children ages 4 – 12. Children unleash their inner builder. All supplies are provided, including Legos, straw connectors, and more. Duplos and other blocks will also be available for younger children.
Pajama Storytime
Tuesday, February 28
6:15 – 6:45 pm
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For children ages 3 – 8 with siblings and family. Join in with your favorite stuffy for a fun, cozy storytime with books, songs and felt activities. Wear your jammies if you’d like.
Media Contact:
Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206
Lead photo caption: Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop at Bellingham Central Library.