Bellingham Public Library presents the following programs for adults and children in March 2023. Locations are noted for each program, including the Central Library, Bellis Fair Mall, Mount Baker Theatre, and online. For more information see BellinghamPublicLibrary.org.
Adult Programs
Tech Basics Coaching
Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Pre-registration required*
With the help of Volunteer Tech Helpers, the Library offers one-on-one coaching on basic tech skills. Tech Basics Coaching is offered on Wednesday afternoons. *Patrons must pre-register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
Story Night with the Bellingham Storytellers Guild
Friday, March 3, 4:30 – 5:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
An evening of storytelling for all ages by members of the Bellingham Storytellers Guild. This program is free and family friendly, though geared toward older children and adults. Come enjoy the performance art of storytelling. Drop-ins welcome.
Whatcom READS In-Person Event
An Evening with Jess Walter Saturday, March 3, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Mount Baker Theatre
Advance tickets required*
This is the Whatcom READS signature event at the beautiful Mt. Baker Theatre. Following his lecture, author Jess Walter will answer audience questions and sign books. The 2024 Whatcom READS title will also be announced. *This event is free to the public, however, tickets are required. Reserve free tickets at https://bit.ly/2023Jess-Walter-at-MBT or call the Mount Baker Theatre box office at (360) 734-6080.
Whatcom READS Online Event
A Conversation with Jess Walter
Saturday, March 4, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Online
Pre-registration required*
The Whatcom READS author events close with a lively conversation between Village Books co-owner Paul Hanson and Jess Walter, author of The Cold Millions. *Pre-register to participate at WhatcomReads.org
Drop-In Little Looms
Saturday, March 4, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Drop in for hands-on on weaving with fiber arts. Members of the Whatcom Weavers Guild will bring projects to demonstrate and answer questions.
Household Emergency Preparedness
Tuesday, March 7, 6:00 – 6:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
In this series offered by the Bellingham Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management, participants will share and discuss a different topic each month, including: an overview of our local hazards, the fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting your 2-week kit, preparing in a year, creating your household plan, and more.
Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop
Tuesdays, March 14 & 21, 4:30 – 6:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Drop in and work with skilled volunteers from NW Free Repairs to learn how to repair your broken household items so they don’t end up in a landfill. Please note: broken items may not be dropped off.
Free Digital Resources with Goodwill Connect
Thursdays, March 16, 23, 30, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Goodwill Connect provides assistance with digital resources in your community. Get help with applying for discounted internet service, qualifying for a free laptop, finding free computer classes and receiving basic tech support. Local Digital Navigators, Karen and Raquel, will help you find FREE or low-cost digital resources. Get connected! Find out if you qualify for a free laptop and internet service.
Street Law
Saturday, March 18, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Pre-registration required (starting March 6)*
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. *Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079, ext 16 or www.lawadvocates.org to pre-register.
Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 21, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Bellingham 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 pm. The public is welcome to attend and is encouraged to check the library’s website for the meeting agenda and packet.
Bellingham Reads Book Group
Tuesday, March 28, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, In-Person
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The March title is The Feather Thief by Kirk Johnson. It is available in print, ebook and audiobook. No registration required for in-person meeting.
Tuesday, March 28, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Online
Registration required for online meeting*
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The March title is The Feather Thief by Kirk Johnson. It is available in print, ebook and audiobook. *Contact Suzanne at scarlson-prandini@cob.org or 360-778-7236 to register and receive the Zoom link.
Map Your Neighborhood
Tuesday, March 28, 6:00 – 6:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Bellingham 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 and can provide the materials and show you how to do it.
Children’s Programs
Little Storytime
Mondays, March 6 – 27
Thursdays, March 2 – 30
10:05 – 10:35, 10:35 – 11:05, and 11:05 – 11:35 am
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!
Little Storytime @ the Mall*
Wednesdays, March 1 – 29
10:05 – 10:35, 10:45 – 11:15, and 11:25 – 11:55 am
Bellis Fair Mall in a store space near the Tot Lot*
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun!
Stories and Play
Mondays, March 6 – 27
Fridays, March 3 – 31
10:05 – 11:05 a.m. and 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
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!
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, March 7 – 28
10:05 – 10:35 and 10:45 – 11:15 am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Preschool Storytime @ the Mall*
Wednesdays, March 1 – 29
12:05 – 12:35 pm
Bellis Fair Mall in a store space near the Tot Lot*
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Time for Tales
Thursdays, March 2 – 30
2:00 – 2:45 pm
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 4 – 8 with families welcome. Enjoy fun stories and songs.
Baby Time
Mondays, March 20 – May 1
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Dodson Room, Central Library
For babies ages birth – 12 months with an adult partner. Songs, rhymes, bounces, movement, and stories! **Pre-registration is required!** Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information.
Fridays, March 24 – May 5
10:30 – 11:30 am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For babies ages birth – 12 months with an adult partner. Songs, rhymes, bounces, movement, and stories! **Pre-registration is required!** Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information.
Pajama Storytime
Tuesday, March 28
6:15 – 6:45 pm
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 8 with siblings and family. Join us with your favorite stuffy for a fun, cozy storytime with books, songs and felt activities. Wear your jammies (pajamas) if you’d like!
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs
Los sábados, el 4 de marzo – 1 de abril / Saturdays, March 4 – April 1
10:05 – 10:50 am & 11:05 – 11:50 am
La sala de Dodson, Biblioteca central / Dodson Room, Central Library
Un tiempo 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
Friday, March 17
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central 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.
Media Contact:
Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206