As winter moves into spring, Bellingham Public Library features salmon egg hatching, and salmon themed programs in March, as well as activities for all ages throughout the month. The Library also honors Women’s History Month, with book displays and recommendations for children, teens and adults.
All library programs are free of charge. Please read the following list carefully for appropriate ages, days and times. Follow the links or visit the Bellingham Public Library online events calendar to add any of the programs listed below to your personal calendar.
March 2026 Community Programs
Salish Sea Dome Experience
Thursday, March 5, 2:30 – 3:30 pm, Ages 5 – 11
Thursday, March 5, 3:45 – 5:30 pm, All ages
Lecture Room, Central Library
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 between the Friends of the San Juans, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Bellingham Public Library, and the City of Bellingham Public Works. Please note that children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
Community Salmon Release
Thursday, March 26, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Maritime Heritage Park Amphitheatre
All ages are welcome to help the Library release this year’s community-raised chum salmon fry and wish them luck on the next step of their journey to the sea. Meet at Maritime Heritage Park on March 26. 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.
Salmon Storytime
Thursday, March 26, 5:15 – 5:45 pm
Maritime Heritage Park Pavilion
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.
March 2026 Programs for Children and Teens
Little Storytime
Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, & 24
10:05 – 10:35 am, 10:35 – 11:05 am, 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.
Library Explorers
Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, & 23, 3:30 – 4:15 pm
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.
Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, & 25
10:05 – 10:35 am, 10:45 – 11:15 am, and 11:25 – 11:55 am
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
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 am, use the entrance next to Target or the Food Court entrance.
Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, & 15, 12:05 – 12:35 pm
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs
Los miércoles, el 4, 11, 18, y 25 de marzo / Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, & 25
4:00 – 4:40 pm
Dodson Room, la biblioteca central / Dodson Room, Central Library
Los sábados, el 7, 14,21, y 28 de marzo / Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21, & 28
11:05 – 11:45 am
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.
Preschool Storytime
Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, & 26, 10:30 – 11:00 am
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.
Stories and Play
Fridays, March 6, 13, 20, & 27
10:05 – 11:05 am 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.
Builders Club at the Central Library
Tuesday, March 10, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 4 – 12. Join us for 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.
Baby Time*
Wednesdays, March 11 – April 22, 2:30 – 3:30 pm (no Baby Time on April 8)
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
OR
Fridays, March 13 – May 1, 10:30 – 11:30 am (No Baby Time on April 10 and 17)
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 360-778-7266 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information for the next session. Note: you are registering for all 6 weeks.
Let’s Read! A Middle Grade Book Group*
Thursday, March 12, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For youth in 5th – 8th grade. Our book group meets on the second Thursday of each month. Snacks provided.
*Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org about registration information.
Art Lab
Thursday, March 19, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For youth in 5th – 8th grade. Feeling creative? Come to Art Lab. Each month we will focus on a specific art medium and we’ll get creative together. All supplies provided.
Builders Club at the Fairhaven Branch
Wednesday, March 25, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
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.
Pokémon Club
Tuesday, March 24, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
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.
Mixed-Age Music Class with Music Together®
Tuesday, March 31, 10:00 – 10:50 am
Lecture Room, Central Library
Children ages birth – 5 and the grownups who love them® are invited for a fun-filled family music time. Ms. Audrey of Music Together Fairhaven® will lead in music activities ranging from lullabies to full-on jam sessions (with child-friendly instruments).
Babies Music Class with Music Together®
Tuesday, March 31, 11:15 am – 12:05 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages birth – 8 months and the grownups who love them® (no older siblings allowed as everything is geared towards the needs of our youngest non-mobile learners!). Join Ms. Audrey of Music Together Fairhaven® and explore how to bond with your baby through music and learn what to look for and encourage developmentally as they begin their musical journey.
March 2026 Programs for Adults
Experience Brain Fitness
Mondays, March 2 & 9, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Experience Brain Fitness: 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.
Library Basics Tech Coaching*
Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
*Patrons must pre-register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
The Bellingham Public Library offers one-to-one assistance with basic technology skills for the following:
- Accessing BPL’s digital library including downloading or streaming eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, eFilms, and eMusic
- Basic computer / smartphone / tablet / e-reader skills
- Setting up and using email
Small Looms
Saturday, March 7, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Hands-on weaving with fiber arts projects for library patrons of all ages. Members of the Whatcom Weavers Guild will bring projects to demonstrate as well as allowing the community to drop in for some firsthand experience.
Resource Navigation with Community Health Plan of WA
Monday, March 9, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Facing any barriers? Come receive help navigating resources available in the community, insurance benefits, and more with Adrian, Whatcom County Community Health Worker with Community Health Plan of Washington. Those without Community Health Plan of Washington insurance can also receive assistance navigating resources but will not have access to the benefits specifically tied to this insurance.
Drop-In Home Item Repair
Tuesdays, March 10 & 17, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Bring your broken household items to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and work with skilled volunteers from Northwest 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 Information
Thursday, March 12, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
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 that 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.
Working Families Tax Credit: A Tax Refund for Washington Workers and Their Families
Thursday, March 12, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
The WA Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) is a tax refund that helps low-to-moderate income workers and their families get more money back at tax time. The refund returns a portion of sales tax paid each year. Payments are based on income level and the number of qualifying children. Payments of up to $1,290 are available to individuals and families who meet the eligibility requirements.
Drop in and talk to Quynh-Anh Nguyen, Department of Revenue WFTC Outreach Specialist to find out more information.
Correspondence Club
Saturday, March 14, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Correspondence Club invites people of all ages and abilities to make creative mail – cards, postcards, letters, and 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.
Ragfinery Mending Workshop
Saturday, March 14, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Have clothing or gear that could use a little loving (i.e. rips, tears, holes)? Stop by for a FREE mending lesson from talented Ragfinery volunteers. Learn how to repair your clothes in real time and walk away with a fixed garment & a new skill.
Affordable Homeownership: Drop-In with Kulshan Community Land Trust
Tuesday, March 17, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday, March 28, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Kulshan Community Land Trust (Kulshan CLT) staff will answer your questions and offer information about our shared equity homeownership program, including: how shared equity homeownership works, who is eligible for their affordable homeownership program, how to apply, and what Kulshan CLT is doing to expand affordable homeownership opportunities for Whatcom County.
Bellingham Public Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 17, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
Regular Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month in the Lecture Room at the Bellingham Public Central Library, 210 Central Avenue. 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.
NAMI Whatcom Resources and Advocacy
Wednesday, March 18, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
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.
Typewriters 101: An Introduction to Operation and Maintenance
Thursday, March 19, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Join us for a hands-on exploration of one of the most revolutionary machines in the literary world: typewriters! With a rich history that echoes through our modern era, typewriters have been employed for letter writing, remote journalism, storytelling and poetry, and even as a liberation device that enabled women to enter the office workforce in droves. Despite the ubiquity of computers and their endless ability to edit, decades later typewriters persist as writing instruments that inspire authors with a slower, more intentional writing style. The sound alone of a typewriter in use is hypnotic: from type bars hitting the cylinder to the ding warning the end of the line is mere characters away, typewriters draw you in.
With six popular models of typewriters ready for exploration, this presentation is designed to engage library patrons of all ages. Local typewriter aficionado Jennifer Dunn will provide information and tutorials about the typewriters presented as well as tips to clean and repair that dusty typewriter in your attic. The typewriters on display will have excerpts from the authors who used and popularized particular models, paper to test out and free write, and a clean/repair evaluation station for those who bring in their typewriters for an inspection and guidance.
Spinning Fiber
Saturday, March 21, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
The SpinDrifters, Whatcom County’s spinning guild, will be in the SkillShare Space with their spinning wheels and drop spindles. Drop in anytime from 1:00 – 3:00 pm to watch them demonstrate their skills. They love to show the public what they do and the multiple 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.
NW Regional Council Outreach Specialist Onsite
Friday, March 27, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in and talk to NWRC Outreach Specialist about the WA Cares Fund and information about how to connect with other resources at NWRC. Northwest Regional Council is a local agency that provides support for older adults and people with disabilities in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties.
Bellingham Reads Book Group
Tuesday, March 24, 12:00 – 1:00 pm In-Person
Lecture Room, Central Library
Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Online*
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In March we’ll be reading and discussing The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis. Meet in-person 12:00 – 1:00 pm OR *register for the online meeting at 6:30 pm by contacting Suzanne at scarlson-prandini@cob.org or 360-778-7236.
Smart Trips Workshop: Bike Maintenance
Thursday, March 26, 4:00 – 5:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop by the SkillShare space to practice basic bike maintenance with Libby Chenault from Smart Trips. Learn how to lube a chain, pump a tire or fix a flat, then take your new skills home to keep your bike rolling smoothly. Find out which tools are essential, how often you should perform these simple tasks and when your bike needs a more serious repair. Note: You will not be able to bring your own bicycle into the Library for this event.
Street Law at the Library*
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
*Pre-registration required. Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079 or info@lawadvocates.org to sign up.
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 registration is required; a limited number of walk-in appointments may be available, but are not guaranteed.
Top Ten Book Lists: Winter Reading Celebration and Best Whatcom READS Reads
Tuesday, March 31, 4:00 – 5:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Adult Services Librarian Katie Bray will discuss the best Whatcom READS reads as well as host a celebration of the Winter Reading Challenge for Adults. Bring your completed Winter Reading Challenge card with you to this session to celebrate, enjoy a warm beverage, and collect your prize.
Each month Katie provides top ten book lists across a variety of genres. Whether you’re looking for your next great read, a new selection for your book club, or just want to know the latest and greatest, Katie will offer a hand-picked list of thought-provoking and entertaining titles.
View this list at BellinghamPublicLibrary.org.
Media Contact: Annette Bagley, Bellingham Public Library, Head of Community Relations, ambagley@cob.org
