Bellingham Public Library presents a full line-up of programs and events for adults and children in May 2024. Special highlights include the continuation of a series of Learning Together Forums in partnership with WWU’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and Center for Community Learning, the Birchwood Garden Club’s annual plant sale, and the Friends of the Library Book Sale. Special display themes for May include Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American (APIDA) Month, and Jewish American Heritage Month.
Locations are noted for each program, including the Central Library, the Bellis Fair Branch, the Fairhaven Library Branch and online. For more information see BellinghamPublicLibrary.org. All programs are free of charge.
Library Programs for Adults
Library Basics Tech Coaching*
Wednesdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: The May 29 session is canceled due to illness.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Thursdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Bellis Fair Branch
Pre-registration required* The Library offers one-on-one coaching on basic tech skills and accessing our digital services. *Patrons must register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
Learning Together Forum: The Future of Work
Thursday, May 2, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
Bellingham Public Library is partnering with WWU’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and Center for Community Learning to bring the local community together to talk about sustainability. Everyone is welcome. Share your hopes and challenges related to creating a more sustainable region and meet others doing inspirational work. Participants will leave with new connections and opportunities for action. Forums are free and open to all.
Birchwood Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, May 4, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
Visit the Central Library for the Birchwood Garden Club’s annual plant sale. All are welcome.
Little Looms
Saturday, May 4, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
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 hands-on experience.
Learn Ukulele*
Mondays, May 6, 13, 20, and June 3, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Pre-registration required* Over the course of 4 weeks, students will learn the fundamentals of the ukulele, starting with essential topics such as instrument care, tuning, and basic chords. The class will then dive into learning more interesting chords and strumming patterns, building a strong musical foundation. As it progresses, the group will explore popular songs together, applying what has been learned to create beautiful music. For adults and kids ages 10 and over only. PLEASE NOTE: ukuleles not provided; students must bring their own instrument. There will be no class on Monday, May 27 due to Memorial Day. Click HERE to register.
Household Emergency Preparedness
Tuesday, May 7, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
An overview of local hazards, fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting a 2-week kit, preparing in a year, creating your household plan, and more.
Smart Trips Workshop: Get Ready to Bike to Work
Saturday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Please join Smart Trips’ Education Coordinator Libby Chenault for this monthly program on topics of active transportation. In May, Libby will discuss how to “Get Ready to Bike to Work”. Dust off your bike, chart a route, think about what to wear, prepare for surprises, and then enjoy biking to work on Bike to Work and School Day on May 17 (and all season long). No registration required.
Opportunity Council: Community Resource Connections
Tuesday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in to 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.
Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop
Tuesdays, May 14, 21, 4:30 – 6:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in and work with skilled volunteers from NW Free Repairs to learn how to repair your broken household items.
NAMI Whatcom presents Ending the Silence: Families*
Wednesday, May 15, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Pre-registration required* A 1-hour presentation on mental health conditions for adults with middle or high school aged youth that includes warning signs, facts and statistics, how to talk with your child and how to work with school staff. Click HERE to register.
Learning Together Forum: Constructing Resilient Communities
Thursday, May 16, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
Bellingham Public Library is partnering with WWU’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and Center for Community Learning to bring the local community together to talk about sustainability. Everyone is welcome. Share your hopes and challenges related to creating a more sustainable region and meet others doing inspirational work. Participants will leave with new connections and opportunities for action. Forums are free and open to all.
Cascade STEAM Digital Navigators
Thursday, May 16, 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in any time during Cascade STEAM Digital Navigators for assistance with internet connectivity, computing devices, and other technology needs and questions.
Street Law*
Saturday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Ask questions and get assistance in one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers. Appointments are limited to 15 minutes, and registration is required. *Pre-registration required. Please contact LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079 or info@lawadvocates.org to sign up.
Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 21, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Board Room, Central Library
Library Board of Trustee meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday.
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library Book Sale
Wednesday, May 22, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 24, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Half price
Saturday, May 25, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., $5/bag
Lecture Room, Central Library
Visit the Lecture Room at the Central Library and browse a huge selection of books, DVDs, and more. All proceeds benefit your library. Check it out!
Rain Writers Calligraphy Guild Demo
Saturday, May 25, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Members of the Rain Writers Calligraphy Guild will be in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library to share their knowledge and art with the community. There will be a variety of calligraphy materials and works on display as well as demonstrations of working calligraphy. Patrons of all ages can drop in to watch the calligraphers and request a free bookmark lettered with their name.
Bellingham Reads Book Group*
PLEASE NOTE: today’s in-person discussion is canceled due to illness. The virtual meeting at 6:30 pm will still occur. Email Suzanne scarlson-prandini@cob.org for the Zoom invite.
Tuesday, May 28, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. ONLINE
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The title for May is What Happened to You? by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey. *Contact Suzanne at scarlson-prandini@cob.org or 360-778-7236 to register and receive the Zoom link for the online meeting.
Map Your Neighborhood
Tuesday, May 28, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: tonight’s program is canceled due to illness.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
A simple community-driven program that brings neighbors together to share info and develop a plan for emergencies and disasters. Instructor Greg Hope is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Bellingham Fire Department Office of Emergency Management.
NW Regional Council Outreach Specialists Onsite
Thursday, May 30, 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 for low-income adults and other services they provide.
Learning Together Forum: Toward a Fair and Just Future
Thursday, May 30, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
Bellingham Public Library is partnering with WWU’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and Center for Community Learning to bring the local community together to talk about sustainability. Everyone is welcome. Share your hopes and challenges related to creating a more sustainable region and meet others doing inspirational work. Participants will leave with new connections and opportunities for action. Forums are free and open to all.
Children’s Library Programs
Little Storytime @ Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, May 1, 8
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. Enjoy simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun. Note: If arriving before 11 a.m., enter through the entrance next to Target or the Food Court.
Preschool Storytime @ Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, May 1, 8
12:05 – 12:35 p.m.
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Enjoy fun and engaging stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Little Storytime
Mondays, May 6
Thursdays, May 2, 9
10:05 – 10:35, 10:35 – 11:05, and 11:05 – 11:35 a.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Enjoy simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.
Time for Tales
Thursdays, May 2, 9
1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 5 – 9 with families welcome. Enjoy fun stories, songs and a craft.
Preschool Storytime
Thursdays, May 2, 9
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Enjoy fun and engaging stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Stories and Play
Fridays, May 3, 10
10:05 – 11:05 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.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. Enjoy stories, songs, play and activities.
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs
Los sábados, el 4 y el 11 de mayo / Saturdays, May 4, 11
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.
Builders Club @ the Fairhaven Branch
Wednesday, May 15 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Branch 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.
Pajama Storytime
Wednesday, May 15
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.
Getting Crafty @ the Library
Monday, May 20
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 6 – 12. Join us for some crafting fun. No registration required.
Read with the Crew @ the Bellis Fair Mall
Wednesday, May 22
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages 3 and up. Listen to a story read by our City’s Public Works crew in English and Spanish about big trucks, then join us outside (near Dick’s Sporting Goods parking lot) and meet the trucks that help our community.
Meet–A-Truck
Thursday, May 23
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
210 Lottie Street (Between City Hall and Lee Memorial Park)
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.
Builders Club
Wednesday, May 29
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
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. New – Monthly optional challenges.
Media Contact:
Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, Bellingham Public Library, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206
