July 2024 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Join Children’s Librarian Bernice and learn a variety of fun songs, rhymes, and lap plays. We 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. For babies ages birth – 12 months with a parent/caregiver. Pre-registration is required! Register here. Note: Registration is for all 6 weeks.

For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun. Note: If entering the mall before 11 a.m., use the entrance next to Target or the Food Court entrance. No registration needed.

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft. No registration needed.

For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun! No registration needed.

For ages 6 – 10 with families welcome. Explore the world and wonders of the library through fun stories, experiments, crafts and more. No registration needed.

For children ages 3 – 5. This is a storytime and facilitated play experience for young children and the adults who take care of them. Enjoy stories, songs, play and activities. No registration needed.

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. No registration needed.

For ages 9 – 14. Do you like crafting? Join us for fun and creative crafting. The program is free, and all snacks and materials are provided. No registration needed.

Builders Club at the Central Library

Wednesday, July 17

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children ages 4 – 12. Unleash the builder in you, with monthly building challenges. All supplies are provided, including Legos, straw connectors, and more. Duplos and other blocks will also be available for younger children. No registration needed.

Summer Night Stories

Wednesday, July 17

6:15 – 6:45 p.m.

Lee Memorial Park or Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 – 8 and their families. Delight in an evening of stories, songs, and games. Bring a blanket to sit on if you’d like. No registration needed.

Getting Crafty @ the Library

Tuesday, July 23

2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 6 – 12. Join us for some crafting fun. Each month 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. No registration needed.

Builders Club at the Fairhaven Branch

Thursday, July 25

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Branch

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. No registration needed.

Read, Write, and Draw: A Graphic Novel Book Group*

Wednesdays, July 24 and August 21

2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Dodson Room, Central Library

For ages 10 – 14. Read a selected graphic novel and discuss the writing, book, and explore the art. Try out art techniques inspired by the selected book. All art supplies and snacks provided.
Pre-registration is required – space is limited. Note: Registration is for all three dates. Book titles will be emailed after registration. Register here for July 24 or Aug. 21.

Children’s Craft Fair at the Central Library

Friday, July 26

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lee Memorial Park, Central Library

Support young entrepreneurs and enjoy a wide array of handmade crafts and baked goods created by local kids ages 13 and under at the annual Children’s Craft Fair at the Central Library on Friday, July 26. All items are priced $5 or less; cash only sales. Located outside the Library in Lee Memorial Park, this event is fun for all ages to browse and buy unique treasures from 11 am to 1 pm.

Note: pre-registration is required for children selling at the Craft Fair. Click HERE to register. No registration needed for shoppers to attend.

Ozobots: Learn to Code at the Central Library!*

Ozobots: Learn to Code at the Fairhaven Branch!*

For ages 8 – 12. Learn to code with Ozobots, which 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.
*Pre-registration is required – space is limited. Click HERE to register.

An overview of local hazards, fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting a 2-week kit, creating your own household plan, and more. Instructor Greg Hope with the City’s Office of Emergency Management will show you how.

Library Board Special Meeting

Monday, July 8

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

The Bellingham Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, July 8. The Board of Trustees conducts its meetings and other business in accordance with the Washington State Open Meetings and Public Records acts. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Click HERE for more information about Library Board meetings

Opportunity Council Community Resource Connections

Tuesdays, July 9, 23

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop-in and talk with Opportunity Council outreach staff for information, referrals, and assistance with various community services for low-income residents.

Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshops

Tuesdays, July 9, 16

4:30 – 6:45 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in with your broken household items and work with volunteers from NW Free Repairs to learn how to repair them.

Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Bellis Fair Branch

Smart Trips Workshop: Confident City Cycling for Older Adults

Saturday, July 13

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Join Libby Chenault of Smart Trips to discuss “Confident City Cycling for Older Adults.” Remember the joy of riding a bike, figure out what those green boxes on the roads are all about and hear special considerations for seniors, including whether an e-bike is the right choice for you.

League of Women Voters Voting Info and Registration

Monday, July 15

12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Volunteers with the League of Women Voters in Whatcom County will offer voter information and voter registration. Drop in and find out more about local and national elections. Every vote counts!

Library Board Meeting

Tuesday, July 16

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

The Bellingham Public Library Board of Trustees typically holds regular public meetings on the third Tuesday of each month. The Board of Trustees conducts its meetings and other business in accordance with the Washington State Open Meetings and Public Records acts. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Click HERE for more information about Library Board meetings

NAMI Whatcom Resources

Wednesday, July 17

10:30 a.m. – 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. Drop in to find out what resources are available for anyone impacted by mental health conditions. 

Street Law at the Library*

Saturday, July 20

10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Ask questions and get assistance in one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers. *Pre-registration required. Please contact the LAW Advocates at info@lawadvocates.org 
or 360-671-6079 to sign up.

Bellingham Reads Book Group

Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In July we’re reading and discussing Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches by John Hodgman. *Registration required for online meeting. Contact Suzanne at 360-778-7236 or scarlson-prandini@cob.org to register and receive the Zoom link.

Map Your Neighborhood

Tuesday, July 23

6:00 – 6:45 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

A simple community-driven program that brings neighbors together to share info and develop a plan for emergencies and disasters. Instructor Greg Hope with the City’s Office of Emergency Management will get you started.

Northwest Regional Council Outreach Specialists

Thursday, July 25

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

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

Children’s Craft Fair at the Central Library

Friday, July 26

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lee Memorial Park, Central Library

Support young entrepreneurs and enjoy a wide array of handmade crafts and baked goods created by local kids ages 13 and under at the annual Children’s Craft Fair at the Central Library on Friday, July 26. All items are priced $5 or less; cash only sales. Located outside the Library in Lee Memorial Park, this event is fun for all ages to browse and buy unique treasures from 11 am to 1 pm.

Note: pre-registration is required for children selling at the Craft Fair. No registration needed for shoppers to attend.