June 2024 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Bellingham Public Library presents a full line-up of programs and events in June 2024. Highlights for the month include the kick-off of Summer Reading for adults and children on June 1, Library Card Night with the Bellingham Bells on June 20, and recognition of Pride Month with special lists of recommended library materials.

Locations are noted below for each program, including the Central Library, the Bellis Fair Branch, the Fairhaven Library Branch, Joe Martin Field, Lee Memorial Park and online. For more information see BellinghamPublicLibrary.org. All Library programs are free of charge.

Library Programs for Adults

Bellingham Public Library Summer Reading Activity Cards are available online or at any Bellingham Public Library location. Get yours and be inspired to enjoy summertime reading. BPL Summer Reading Activity Cards are available for adults, teens, kids, and early learners in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Russian.

An overview of local hazards, fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting a 2-week kit, creating your own household plan, and more. Instructor Greg Hope is with the Bellingham Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management.

The Library offers one-on-one coaching on basic tech skills and accessing our digital services. *Pre-registration required. Patrons must register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.

Now is the perfect time of year to walk and bike to the library, farmer’s market, post office or just about everywhere! Please join Smart Trips’ Education Coordinator Libby Chenault to discuss “Active Errands”. We’ll look at choosing an enjoyable route, how to carry your load and the health
benefits of active transportation. No registration required.

Drop in for information, referrals, and assistance on various community services offered by The Opportunity Council.

Drop in with your broken household items and work with volunteers from NW Free Repairs to learn how to repair them. Keep items in use and out of the landfills.

Volunteers with the League of Women Voters in Whatcom County will be in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library, providing voter information and voter registration. Drop in for voting info.

Drop in and find out how to become an in-home caregiver and other services NWRC provides or can connect you to.

Regular Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month, usually in the Lecture Room at the Central Library. The public is invited to attend.

Kick off Summer Reading with a Library party at the ballpark! Show your library card at the Bellingham Bells gate on June 20 for a free general admission ticket to the home game that night. One ticket per library card. Everyone is welcome. Pick up Summer Reading Activity Cards for the whole family and root for the Bells!

Bellingham Reads is Bellingham Public Library’s book discussion group for adults. The title for June is The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. *Contact Suzanne at 360-778-7236 or
scarlson-prandini@cob.org to register and receive the Zoom link for the online meeting.

Map Your Neighborhood is a simple community-driven program that brings neighbors together to share info and develop a plan for emergencies and disasters. Instructor Greg Hope of the Bellingham Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management will teach you how to create a plan for your neighborhood before first responders are able to make it on the scene of a major disaster.

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Children’s Library Programs

Please note: regular storytimes are on a break until July 8.

Bellingham Public Library Summer Reading Activity Cards are available online or at any Bellingham Public Library location. Get yours and be inspired to enjoy summertime reading. BPL Summer Reading Activity Cards are available for early learners (ages birth – 5), kids (ages 5 – 12), teens, and adults in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Russian.

For ages 9 – 14. Do you like crafting? Spend time at the Library for fun and creative crafting. All snacks and materials are provided.

For children ages birth – 5 with siblings and family welcome. Join this fun playtime and socializing through facilitated open play. The Library will have a variety of fun play materials, toys, and books to explore.

For children ages 4 – 12. Unleash the builder in you at the Library. New: monthly building challenges! All supplies are provided, including Legos, straw connectors, and more. Duplos and other blocks will also be available for younger children.

Kick off Summer Reading with a Library party at the ballpark! Show your library card at the Bellingham Bells gate on June 20 for a free general admission ticket to the home game that night. One ticket per library card. Everyone is welcome. Pick up Summer Reading Activity Cards for the whole family and root for the Bells!

For children ages 4 – 12. All supplies are provided, including Legos, straw connectors, and more. Duplos and other blocks will also be available for younger children.

For ages 4 – 12. Build with Jack Mckee’s Builder Boards – made from recycled plywood. These boards are for children to work together to create play structures of their own design.

WECU presents a youth financial literacy program that will cover financial basics – saving, borrowing, spending, and financial planning for the future.

For ages 4 – 11. Visit the Library for a special read-aloud, then make your own postcard! Remember to bring the address of someone you love; then end the program by mailing your creations.

Fun for children of all ages. Library staff present a variety of fun – bubbles, hopscotch, StoryWalk®, and more!

For ages 10 – 14. Read a selected graphic novel and discuss the writing, book, and explore the art! We will try out art techniques inspired by the book we read. Art supplies and snacks provided. *Pre-registration is required – space is limited. Register online HERE or call 360-778-7323. Please note: registration is for all three dates. Book titles will be emailed after registration.

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.

For children ages 2 and older. Create a variety of fun summer crafts. All supplies provided.

Fun for children of all ages! The Library will have a variety of crafting and loose parts building materials for you to create with and use your imagination.

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Media Contact:

Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, Bellingham Public Library, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206