February 2025 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Small Looms

Saturday, February 1, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in to watch Members of the Whatcom Weavers Guild demonstrate hands on weaving and fiber art projects, and try it out yourself.

Experience Brain Fitness

Mondays, February 3, 10 & 24, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (No Experience Brain Fitness on Feb. 17)

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Keeping your brain fit by learning new skills, exercising your memories and challenging your brain to adapt and change can help delay or prevent the onset of memory challenges. No matter what your age, you can change and strengthen your brain. Come get your brain loose and limber with fun brain training games and exercises led by Certified Brain Fitness Trainer Dawn Anderson. Adults of all ages welcome.

Opportunity Council: Community Resource Connections

Tuesdays, February 4 & 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop-in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and meet with staff from Opportunity Council’s Community Resource Center and Community Programs teams. Staff will be available to provide information, referrals, and assistance on various community services. Get help with housing, food assistance, basic needs, and more. 

Basic Computer Skills Classes*

Tuesdays, February 4 – March 25, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Conference Room, Central Library

The Bellingham Public Library and the Whatcom Literacy Council invite people who cannot afford computer classes to sign-up for Basic Computer Skills classes. This class will be led by a Whatcom Literacy Council volunteer who will use Northstar Digital Literacy lessons for instruction on basic computer skills, essential software skills, and using technology in daily life. Each student will have access to a laptop provided by the library for the class.

*Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Sign up for a single class or all 8, as space allows. Separate registration is required for each session. Click on a session below to see the February classes and to register.

• Tuesday, February 4 – Common Computer Terms & Basic Functions
• Tuesday, February 11 – Internet Basics
• Tuesday, February 18 – Using Email
• Tuesday, February 25 – Microsoft Word

Library Basics Tech Coaching*

Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

The Library offers one-to-one coaching on accessing our digital services. *Pre-registration is required. Register for a half hour session with a Librarian by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.

Learning Together Forums

Wednesdays, February 5 & 19, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

Bellingham Public Library is partnering with WWU’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and the Center for Community Learning to bring back another round of the popular Learning Together Forums in 2025. These events bring the community together to talk about topics of sustainability. All are welcome. Share your hopes and challenges related to creating a more sustainable region and meet others doing inspirational work. Participants will leave with new connections and opportunities for action. Snacks provided, and no registration required.

• February 5 – Climate Action
• February 19 – Life Below Water

Correspondence Club

Saturday, February 8, 10:30am – 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.

Drop-In Home Item Repair

Tuesdays, February 11 & 18, 4:30 – 6:45 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

Thursday, February 13, 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 who 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

Sunday, February 16, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

The SpinDrifters, Whatcom County’s spinning guild, will be in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library 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.

Bellingham Public Library Board Meeting

Tuesday, February 18, 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 Public 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 Peer Support Collaborative

Wednesday, February 19, 10:30am – 12:00 p.m.

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.  

NW Regional Council Outreach Specialists

Thursday, February 20, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in and talk to NWRC Outreach Specialists about how to become an in-home caregiver and other services NWRC provides or can connect you to. Northwest Regional Council is a local agency that provides support for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties. 

Street Law at the Library*

Saturday, February 22, 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 pre-registration is required; a limited number of walk-in appointments may be available, but are not guaranteed. *Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079 or info@lawadvocates.org to sign up.

Bellingham Reads Book Group*

Tuesday, February 25, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. In-Person

Lecture Room, Central Library

*Tuesday, February 25, 6:30 – 7:30pm Online (registration required for online meeting)

Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In February the group will be reading and discussing this year’s Whatcom READS selection, No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister. Meet in-person 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. or register for the online meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs

Los sábados, el 1 de febrero – el 29 de marzo

Saturdays, February 1 – March 29

11:05 – 11:45 a.m.

El centro de aprendizaje temprano, La sucursal del centro comercial Bellis Fair / Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Mall Branch

Los miércoles, el 5 de febrero – el 26 de marzo

Wednesdays, February 5 – March 26 (FEBRUARY 12 SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED)

4:00 – 4:40 p.m.

Dodson Room, la biblioteca central / Dodson Room, Central Library

Una hora de cuentos bilingües para niños y sus cuidadores/familias. Disfrute de cuentos y canciones divertidos en español y inglés. / A bilingual storytime for kids and their caregivers/families. Enjoy fun stories and songs in both Spanish and English.

Sunday Crafternoon

Sunday, February 2, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 9 – 14. Do you like crafting? How about crafts and snacks? Join others in the Lecture Room at the Central Library for a fun crafting activity. The program is free, and all materials are provided. No registration required.

Little Storytime

Mondays, February 3, 10, 24 (no Little Storytime on Feb. 17)

Tuesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25

10:05, 10:35 & 11:05 a.m.

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.

Baby Time*

Mondays, January 27 – March 10, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (no Baby Time on Feb. 17)

Fridays, January 31 – March 7, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Dodson Room, Central Library

For babies ages birth – 12 months with a parent/caregiver. Join Bernice and learn a variety of fun songs, rhymes, and lap plays. The class will read stories and talk about the five early literacy practices: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing with your baby and how to easily incorporate these into your daily routines. The last portion of class is dedicated to baby play time and time for parents/caregivers to connect.

* Pre-registration required

Note: Registration is for a 6 week class. Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information.

Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Library Branch

Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 10:05, 10:45 & 11:25 a.m.

Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Library Branch

For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.

Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Library Branch

Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 12:05 – 12:35 p.m.

Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Library Branch

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20 & 27, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.

Library Explorers

Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (THE FEBRUARY 6 SESSION IS CANCELLED)

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.

Pokémon Club

Thursday, February 6, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. (THIS SESSION IS CANCELLED)

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. 

Stories and Play

Fridays, February 7, 14, 21 & 28, 10:05 & 11:30 a.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.  Come enjoy stories, songs, play and activities.

Getting Crafty

Tuesday, February 11, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 6 – 12. Join in some crafting fun. The Library will focus on a new craft or put out a bunch of supplies and have open crafting time. All supplies and snacks are provided.

Pajama Storytime – THIS SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Wednesday, February 12, 6:15 – 6:45 p.m.

Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 – 8 with siblings and family. Bring your favorite stuffy for a fun, cozy storytime with books, songs and felt activities. Wear your jammies (pajamas) if you’d like.

Let’s Read! A Middle School Book Group

Thursday, February 13, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Conference Room, Central Library

For 5th – 8th graders. Are you a middle schooler who would like to hang out and talk about books? If so, visit the Library on the second Thursday of the month for Middle Grade Book Group. The group picks different books, reads them, and then each month gets together to talk about that book and have snacks.

Please contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org or 360-778-7211 to sign up and find out what the group is reading.

Builders Club at the Fairhaven Library Branch

Wednesday, February 19, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

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.