Bellingham Public Library presents the following programs for adults and children in May 2023. Locations are noted for each program, including the Central Library, Bellis Fair Mall, and online. For more information see BellinghamPublicLibrary.org. All programs are free of charge.
Adult Programs
Household Emergency Preparedness
Tuesday, May 2, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
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.
Library Basics Tech Coaching
Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
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. Library Basics Tech Coaching is offered on Wednesday afternoons. *Patrons must pre-register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
Free Digital Resources with Goodwill Connect
Thursdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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.
Story Night with the Bellingham Storytellers Guild
Friday, May 5, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
An evening of storytelling for all ages by members of the Bellingham Storytellers Guild. Drop in and enjoy a storytelling event before participating in the downtown First Friday Art Walk.
Birchwood Garden Club Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, May 6, 9:00 a.m. – noon
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
The Birchwood Garden Club graciously provides its service in maintaining the Bellingham Public Library grounds, and each year hosts its annual plant sale at the Bellingham Public Library. A wide variety of plants for home or garden are available for purchase.
Drop-In Little Looms
Saturday, May 6, Noon – 3:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Drop in for hands-on weaving with fiber arts. Members of the Whatcom Weavers Guild will bring projects to demonstrate and answer questions.
Becoming an In-home Caregiver
Tuesday May 9, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Drop in to talk to an Outreach Specialist from Northwest Regional Council about the services they provide and about opportunities to become an in-home caregiver for low-income adults.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, May 16, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Regular Board of Trustees 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.
Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop
Tuesdays, May 9 and 16, 4:30 – 6:45 p.m.
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.
Street Law at the Library
Saturday, May 20, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Pre-registration required (starting May 1)*
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 sign up.
Bellingham Reads Book Group
Tuesday, May 23, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. IN-PERSON
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The May title is All the Way to the Tigers by Mary Morris. It is available in print, ebook and audiobook. No registration required for in-person meeting.
Tuesday, May 23, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. ONLINE
Registration required for online meeting*
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The May title is All the Way to the Tigers by Mary Morris. 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, May 23, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Bellingham Central Library
Learn to plan and work together as a neighborhood to make our community stronger and improve the quality of life for all.
Friends of the Library Ski to Sea Book Sale
Wednesday, May 24 – Friday, May 26, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 27, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
The return of the Friends of the Library BIG Book Sale. Come down and browse a huge selection of books, DVDs, and more. All proceeds benefit your library. Check it out!
Children’s Programs
Little Storytime
Mondays, May 1, 8
10:05 – 10:35 a.m., 10:35 – 11:05 a.m., and 11:05 – 11:35 a.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and
movement. Lots of fun!
Thursdays, May 4, 11
10:05 – 10:35 a.m., 10:35 – 11:05 a.m., and 11:05 – 11:35 a.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham 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 at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, May 3, 10
10:05 – 10:35 a.m., 10:45 – 11:15 a.m., and 11:25 – 11:55 a.m.
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! *If attending a storytime prior to 11a.m., please use the Mall Entrance at the Food Court or near Target.
Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, May 3, 10
12:05 – 12:35 p.m.
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join Library staff for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Baby Time
Mondays, May 1, 8
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham 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.
Friday, May 5
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham 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.
Time for Tales
Thursdays, May 4, 11
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Dodson Room, Bellingham Central Library
Enjoy fun stories and songs for children ages 4 – 8 with families welcome.
Stories and Play
Fridays, May 5, 12
10:05 – 11:05 a.m. and 11:30 am – 12:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Library
This is a storytime and facilitated play experience for young children ages 3 – 5 and the adults who take care of them.
Cuentos y cantos/Stories and Songs
Los sábados, 6, 13 de mayo / Saturdays, May 6, 13
10:05 – 10:50 a.m. & 11:05 – 11:50 a.m.
La sala de Dodson, Biblioteca central de Bellingham / Dodson Room, Bellingham 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.
Meet a Truck
Thursday, May 25
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
210 Lottie Street
(On the street between the Lee Memorial Park and City Hall)
Fun for children of all ages! Come meet the big trucks and equipment that keep our streets,
storm drains, sewer and water lines running smoothly. Kids activities, crafts, scavenger hunt
and more!
Media Contact:
Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, Bellingham Public Library, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206