Learn About Salmon at Bellingham Public Library

Bellingham Public Library is partnering with the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) to hatch chum salmon eggs in a 55-gallon aquarium in the Bellingham Public Library Children’s Department again in 2026. The eggs are here and you can watch the activity in the aquarium 24/7 on the Salmon Cam livestream (see link below)!

Programs and Events

Salish Sea Dome Experience: Ages 5 – 11

Thursday, March 5, 2:30 – 3:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For kids ages 5 – 11. Come enjoy an immersive 360-degree projection experience, bringing you face-to-face with the web of life in the Salish Sea. This program is brought to you through a partnership with Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, the Bellingham Public Library, and Friends of the San Juans.

Salish Sea Dome Experience: All Ages

Thursday, March 5, 3:45 – 5:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For all ages! Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. Come enjoy an immersive 360-degree projection experience, bringing you face-to-face with the web of life in the Salish Sea. This program is brought to you through a partnership with Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, the Bellingham Public Library, and Friends of the San Juans.

Community Salmon Release

Thursday, March 26, 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Maritime Heritage Park Amphitheatre

It’s time to say goodbye to our salmon! All are welcome to join us as we wish our community-raised chum salmon luck on the next step of their journey. From 4:00 – 5:00 pm, attendees will be invited to release a salmon fry into Whatcom Creek with the help of representatives from the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) and the Bellingham Public Library. Footwear with strong traction is encouraged. Family Storytime featuring salmon to follow. We hope you can join us for this special event!

Salmon Storytime

Thursday, March 26, 5:15 – 5:45 pm

Maritime Heritage Park Amphitheatre

For children of all ages and their families! Join us at the Maritime Heritage Park Pavilion after the salmon release to celebrate saying farewell to our fishy friends with stories and songs.

Salmon Cam is Live

Click on this YouTube link to watch a livestream of the salmon eggs in the aquarium at the Library.

Library staff displaying a book about salmon through an aquarium

Salmon Run by Annie Chen

“A tiny egg in the Duwamish River grows into a Salmon and maps a journey 800 miles to the Pacific Ocean!

This beautifully illustrated book shows how the Salmon grows and hides and swims through each of it’s stages until it ultimately lays eggs of it’s own. This is the most beautiful nonfiction picture book about Salmon I have read.” Children’s Picture Book. Recommended for kids age 4 – 12

– James, Public Services Clerk

Salmon Restoration in Bellingham

Did you know that the City of Bellingham has a restoration program focused on restoring habitat and improving water quality for fish and wildlife? Learn more at cob.org/habitat.