Bellingham Public Library presents the following programs for adults and children in July 2023. Locations are noted for each program, including the Central Library, Bellis Fair Mall, Fairhaven Park and online. For more information see BellinghamPublicLibrary.org. All programs are free of charge.
Adult & Teen Programs
Library Basics Tech Coaching
Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library*
Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Bellis Fair Library Branch, Suite 616, Bellis Fair Mall*
With the help of Volunteer Tech Helpers, the Library offers one-on-one coaching on basic tech skills and accessing our digital services. *Patrons must pre-register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
Household Emergency Preparedness
Wednesday, July 5, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
An overview of local hazards, fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting a 2-week kit,
preparing in a year, creating your household plan, and more.
Story Night with the Bellingham Storytellers Guild
Friday, July 7, 4:30 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in to enjoy an evening of storytelling for all ages by members of the Bellingham Storytellers Guild.
Opportunity Council: Community Resource Connections
Tuesdays, July 11, 25, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in to 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.
Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop
Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 4:30 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in and work with skilled volunteers from NW Free Repairs to learn how to fix your broken household items, so that they don’t end up in a landfill. Items may not be dropped off for repair; owner participation required.
Northwest Regional Council Outreach Specialists Onsite
Monday, July 17, 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in and talk to NWRC Outreach Specialists about their Dementia Support Program, other services they provide, and how to become an in-home caregiver for low income adults.
Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, July 18, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
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. Meetings begin at 3:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and may view the meeting agenda and minutes here.
Street Law
Saturday, July 22, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library*
*Pre-registration required- starting on Monday, July 10
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; a limited number of walk-in appointments may be available, but are not guaranteed. *Please contact the LAW Advocates at www.lawadvocates.org or 360-671-6079, ext 16 or to sign up.
Map Your Neighborhood
Monday, July 24, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, 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.
Bellingham Reads Book Group
Tuesday, July 25, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. IN-PERSON
Lecture Room, Central Library
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In July we’re reading and discussing Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham. All are welcome to participate. Throughout July the e-book and e-audiobook versions of the title are available with no waiting in the Libby app.
Tuesday, July 25, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. ONLINE
Registration required for online meeting*
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In July we’re reading and discussing Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham. All are welcome to participate. Throughout July the e-book and e-audiobook versions of the title are available with no waiting in the Libby app. *Contact Suzanne at 360-778-7236 or scarlson-prandini@cob.org to register and receive the Zoom link for the online meeting.
Children’s Programs
Children’s Craft Fair*
Friday, July 28, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lee Memorial Park (Library Lawn)
The public is invited to enjoy this festive event and purchase a wide array of handmade crafts and baked goods created by children 13 and under. All items are priced $5 or less; cash only sales. Fun for all ages to browse.
*Pre-registration required to be a seller. WAIT LIST for both craft fairs: Friday, July 28 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Lee Memorial Park (Library Lawn) and Friday, August 11 from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Bellis Fair Mall – registration is FULL.
Little Storytimes @ the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
10:05, 10:45, & 11:25 a.m.
Bellis Fair Library Branch, Suite 616, Bellis Fair Mall*
*If attending a storytime prior to 11am, please use the Mall Entrance at the Food Court or near Target. For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Preschool Storytime @ the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
12:05 – 12:35 p.m.
Bellis Fair Library Branch, Suite 616, Bellis Fair Mall
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Little Storytime
Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27
10:05, 10:35, & 11:05 a.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Stories and Play
Fridays, July 7, 14, 21
10:05 – 11:05 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5. A storytime and facilitated play experience for young children and their caregivers.
Baby Time
Monday, July 10, 17, 24, 31 (no class July 3)
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library*
*Pre-registration is required.
For babies ages 0 –12 months with an adult partner. Songs, rhymes, movement, and stories. *Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information.
Time for Tales
Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25
10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 4 – 8 with families welcome. Enjoy fun stories and songs.
Building and Crafting Fun
Wednesday, July 12
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
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.
Library Party @ Fairhaven Park
Thursday, July 13
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Fairhaven Park
Join us outside at the park! Come say hello and enjoy a fun and engaging StoryWalk®, receive a free book, and more! Fun for children of all ages, birth – teen.
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs @ the Bellis Fair Branch
Los sabados, el 15 de julio – el 29 de julio / Saturdays, July 15 – July 29
11:05 – 11:45 a.m.
El centro de aprendizaje temprano, La sucursal del centro comercial Bellis Fair / Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Library Branch
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.
Builders Club
Wednesday, July 19 (CANCELED)
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 4 – 12. All supplies are provided, including Legos, straw connectors, and more.
Summer Night Stories – PROGRAM CANCELLED
Wednesday, July 19
Ozobots: Learn to Code!
Monday, July 24, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 25, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library*
*Pre-registration required – space is limited.
For ages 8 – 12. Learn to code with Ozobots. Ozobots are small robots that you can program using colors – we can make the robots spin, zig zag, speed up, slow down, play games and more. *Register online for July 24 or July 25 or call 360-778-7200.
Teen Comics!
Sunday, July 30
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library*
Pre-registration required*
For teens ages 12 – 16. Learn the art of comics. Workshop will include timed exercises, instructions on how to draw facial expressions, body movements, and more. *Contact the Help Desk at 360-778-7323 or register online here.
Media Contact:
Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, Bellingham Public Library, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206