Home » News » March 2025 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

March 2025 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Programs at Bellingham Public Library in March 2025 include a special presentation from the City of Bellingham’s Environmental Coordinator on Fish Passage Restoration in Bellingham, and a community release party for the salmon fry that are currently being raised at the Central Library. The Library will also celebrate Women’s History Month in March with special displays and booklists.

In addition, the community is encouraged to register for the Whatcom READS events on March 14 and 15, featuring Erica Bauermeister, the author of this year’s Whatcom READS selection, No Two Persons.

A full schedule of programs for adults and children is listed below. All Bellingham Public Library activites are free of charge. For more information about Library services visit BellinghamPublicLibrary.org.


Library Programs for Adults

Small Looms

Saturday, March 1, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in to watch members of the Whatcom Weavers Guild demonstrate hands on weaving and fiber art projects, and try it out yourself.

Experience Brain Fitness

Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Keeping your brain fit by learning new skills, exercising your memories and challenging your brain to adapt and change can help delay or prevent the onset of memory challenges. No matter what your age, you can change and strengthen your brain. Come get your brain loose and limber with fun brain training games and exercises led by Certified Brain Fitness Trainer Dawn Anderson. Adults of all ages welcome.

Opportunity Council: Community Resource Connections

Tuesdays, March 4, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and March 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop-in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and 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. 

Basic Computer Skills Classes*

Tuesdays, March 4 – March 25, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Conference Room, Central Library

The Bellingham Public Library and the Whatcom Literacy Council invite people who cannot afford computer classes to sign-up for Basic Computer Skills classes. This class will be led by a Whatcom Literacy Council volunteer who will use Northstar Digital Literacy lessons for instruction on basic computer skills, essential software skills, and using technology in daily life. Each student will have access to a laptop provided by the library for the class.

*Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Sign up for a single class or all 8, as space allows. Separate registration is required for each session. Click on a session below to see the March classes and to register.

Home Emergency Preparedness

Tuesday, March 4, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Prepare for potential emergencies by attending this monthly class, offered by the Bellingham Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management. Instructor Greg Hope will discuss a different topic each month including: an overview of local hazards, the fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting your 2-week kit, preparing in a year, creating your household plan, and more. Classes are free and no registration is required. 

Library Basics Tech Coaching*

Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

The Library offers one-to-one coaching on accessing digital Library services. *Pre-registration is required. Register for a half hour session with a Librarian by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.

Whatcom County 5-Year Homeless Housing Plan

Friday, March 7, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

The Housing Supervisor with Whatcom County Health and Community Services will be soliciting feedback on the development of the new, 5-year homeless housing plan for Whatcom County. Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library to find out more information about the plan and provide your feedback.

Correspondence Club

Saturday, March 8, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Correspondence Club invites people of all ages and abilities to make creative mail – cards, postcards, letters, envelopes-to connect with others near and far. Participants have access to a wide variety of supplies, including glue sticks, a diverse paper collection, scissors, envelope templates, tape, etc. Guidance is offered upon request by an experienced teacher and correspondent. At its best, mail art encourages generosity, reciprocity, delight, and gratitude.

Drop-In Home Item Repair

Tuesdays, March 11, 18, 4:30 – 6:45 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Bring your broken household items to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and work with skilled volunteers from NW Free Repairs to learn how to repair them. Volunteers have experience repairing common household items such as toys, small kitchen appliances, electric tools and many other items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Please note: broken items may not be dropped off to be repaired. Owners may participate in making the repairs with the repair volunteers. 

Bellingham Vet Center Info

Thursday, March 13, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library where staff from the Bellingham Vet Center will provide information on the services they provide. The primary mission of the Vet Center is to provide mental health counseling to veterans who are eligible for their services. They focus on trauma experienced in combat and areas of hostility as well as experienced Military Sexual Trauma and or harassment.

The Vet Center is also a resource center for veterans in general and can assist with signing up for VA health care, obtaining military records, file benefits claims, and referrals.

Whatcom READS: An Evening with Erica Bauermeister and Friends at Mount Baker Theatre*

Friday, March 14, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.

Attend the premiere Whatcom READS event at the Mount Baker Theatre featuring Erica Bauermeister, author of No Two Persons. New this year: Bushwick Book Club Seattle will open the event with original music composed by local musicians and inspired by No Two Persons. Following her lecture, the author will answer audience questions, sign books, and announce the 2026 Whatcom READS title. *This event is free. However, tickets are required and are available at MountBakerTheatre.com. 

Whatcom READS: A Conversation with Erica Bauermeister*

Saturday, March 15, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Online

The 2025 Whatcom READS author events close with a lively virtual conversation between Erica Bauermeister and Katie Bray, Adult Services Librarian at Bellingham Public Library. The author will also answer questions from the audience. *Registration is required for this online event. Go to WhatcomREADS.org to register and receive the link to view.

Sunday, March 16, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

The SpinDrifters, Whatcom County’s spinning guild, will be in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library with their spinning wheels and drop spindles. Drop in to watch them demonstrate their skills. They love to show the public what they do and the different ways to spin different fibers. They will have spindles specifically for people to try out for themselves with donated fiber. The SpinDrifters are happy to help folks come over to the fiber side.

Bellingham Public Library Board Meeting

Tuesday, March 18, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

Regular Library 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 is encouraged to check the library’s website for the meeting agenda and packet.

NAMI Whatcom Peer Support Collaborative

Wednesday, March 19, 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. We envision a world where all people living with mental health conditions know that they are not alone and live fulfilling lives. NAMI Whatcom programs are no-cost and led by peers. Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library to find out what resources are available for anyone impacted by mental health conditions.  

NW Regional Council Outreach Specialists

Thursday, March 20, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

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

Bellingham Reads Book Group*

Tuesday, March 25, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. In-Person

Lecture Room, Central Library

*Tuesday, February 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 March the group will be reading and discussing, Dinners with Ruth by Nina Totenberg. Drop in to meet in-person 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. or register for the online meeting at 6:30 p.m.

City of Bellingham Presents: Fish Passage Restoration in Bellingham

Wednesday, March 26, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

Join Sara Brooke Benjamin, Environmental Coordinator with the City of Bellingham, as she shares how the City is improving the outcomes for salmon in our local waterways. Sara Brooke will review the City’s efforts to restore salmon habitat and passage by reviewing recently completed projects, including the Little Squalicum Estuary, as well as preview future projects focused on fish passage. Join us to learn about these efforts and how to get involved in environmental stewardship in Bellingham. No registration required.

Mindfulness for Parents, Caregivers, and Educators*

Thursday, March 27, 4:30 – 5:30pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

This course is an invitation to parents, caregivers, and educators to explore the fundamentals of mindfulness in relationships with youth. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in mindful awareness practices to cultivate inner resources. The habits of mind that are built through these practices can be drawn upon when stress arises in the relationships between adults and children. The formal practice of mindful awareness reduces caregiving stress and strengthens adult/child relationships. *Pre-registration is required. Click HERE to register.

WCC Open House: Pathways to Higher Education

Friday, March 28, 4:00 – 5:45 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and talk to Whatcom Community College staff in person about college options, financial aid, program details, and any other questions you may have about enrollment, whether it’s to earn a GED, a specialized certification, or college degree.

Street Law at the Library*

Saturday, March 29, 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Street Law is a free legal advice clinic for income-eligible people to ask questions and get assistance in one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers. Appointments are limited to 15-20 minutes, and pre-registration is required; a limited number of walk-in appointments may be available, but are not guaranteed. *Pre-registration required. Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079 or info@lawadvocates.org to sign up.

Community Salmon Release

Saturday, March 29, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Maritime Heritage Park

The community is invited to celebrate the lives of the chum salmon hatched and grown in the Children’s Library over the past two months. Join the festivities at Maritime Heritage Park where attendees can help release the salmon into Whatcom Creek.


A child watches as two adults prepare to release baby salmon into Whatcom Creek.
2024 community salmon release event.

Library Programs for Children and Teens

Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs

Los sábados, el 1 de marzo – el 29 de marzo (3/19 SESSION IS CANCELAR/CANCELLED)

Saturdays, March 1 – March 29

11:05 – 11:45 a.m.

El centro de aprendizaje temprano, La sucursal del centro comercial Bellis Fair / Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Mall 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.

Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs

Los miércoles, el 5 de marzo – el 26 de marzo

Wednesdays, March 5 – March 26 

4:00 – 4:40 p.m.

Dodson Room, la biblioteca central / Dodson Room, Central Library

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.

Little Storytime

Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24

Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25

10:05, 10:35 & 11:05 a.m.

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.

Baby Time*

Mondays, March 3, 10, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Friday, March 7, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Dodson Room, Central Library

For babies ages birth – 12 months with a parent/caregiver. Join Bernice and learn a variety of fun songs, rhymes, and lap plays. The class 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. * Pre-registration required. Call 360-778-7266 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information about the next series.

Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Library Branch

Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26

10:05, 10:45 & 11:25 a.m.

Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Library Branch

For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun. *Note: If attending before 11 a.m., please use the entrance next to Target or the Food Court entrance.

Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Library Branch

Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26

12:05 – 12:35 p.m.

Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Library Branch

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.

Library Explorers

Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. 

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 6 – 10 with families welcome. Explore the world and wonders of the library through fun stories, experiments, crafts and more.

Pokémon Club

Thursday, March 6, 24 

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. 

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 7 – 11. Join fellow Pokémon fanatics for a Pokémon meet-up. All experience levels welcome! Come with friends or make new ones! Enjoy crafts, games, and other activities. 

Stories and Play

Fridays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 

10:05 & 11:30 a.m.

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.

Builders Club

Monday, March 10, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

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

Let’s Read! A Middle School Book Group

Thursday, March 134:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Conference Room, Central Library

For 5th – 8th graders. The group picks different books, reads them, and then each month gets together to talk about that book and have snacks. Please contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org or 360-778-7211 for registration information.

Pajama Storytime 

Thursday, March 13, 6:15 – 6:45 p.m.

Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 – 8 with siblings and family. Bring your favorite stuffy for a fun, cozy storytime with books, songs and felt activities. Wear your jammies (pajamas) if you’d like.

Sunday Crafternoon

Sunday, March 161:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 9 – 14. Do you like crafting? How about crafts and snacks? Join others in the Lecture Room at the Central Library for a fun crafting activity. The program is free, and all materials are provided. No registration required.

Getting Crafty

Wednesday, March 194:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 6 – 12. Join in some crafting fun. 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.

Builders Club at the Fairhaven Library Branch

Wednesday, March 263:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Fireplace Room, Fairhaven 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. 

Community Salmon Release

Saturday, March 29, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Maritime Heritage Park

The community is invited to celebrate the lives of the chum salmon hatched and grown in the Children’s Library over the past two months. Join the festivities at Maritime Heritage Park where attendees can help release the salmon into Whatcom Creek.


Media Contact: Annette Bagley, Bellingham Public Library, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206