Programs at multiple Bellingham Public Library locations in May 2025 include Meet-A-Truck events for kids in partnership with Public Works, a Learning Together Forum, Mental Health Awareness Month info, the Friends of the Library May Book Sale, Smart Trips workshops on bicycle transportation topics, and much more. The Library will also celebrate Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month with special displays, booklists, and staff recommendations throughout May.
A full schedule of programs for adults and children is listed below. All Bellingham Public Library activities are free of charge. Visit BellinghamPublicLibrary.org for more information about Library services and programs.
Note: All locations of the Bellingham Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day.
Library Programs for Children and Teens
Preschool Storytime
Thursdays, May 1, 8, & 15, 10:30 – 11:00 am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 to 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.
Library Explorers
Thursdays, May 1, 8, & 15, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 6 to 10 with families welcome. Explore the world and wonders of the library through fun stories, experiments, crafts and more.
Stories and Play
Fridays, May 2, 9, & 16, 10:05 – 11:05 am and 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 to 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.
Baby Time*
Fridays, May 2 – 30 (no class on May 23)
10:30 – 11:30 am
Dodson, Room Central Library
Wednesdays, May 7 – 28 (no class on May 21)
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
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.
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs
Los sábados, el 3, 10 y 17 de mayo / Saturdays, May 3, 10 & 17
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.
Little Storytime
10:05, 10:35, and 11:05 am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages birth to 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.
Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
10:05, 10:45 and 11:25 am
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages birth to 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.
Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, May 7 & 14*, 12:05 – 12:35 pm
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages 3 to 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft. *Note: May 14 will be a special Storytime with the City of Bellingham Public Works crew reading in English and Spanish, with an opportunity to meet the trucks that help our community.
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs
Los miércoles, el 7 y 14 de mayo / Wednesdays, May 7 & 14
4:00 – 4:40 pm
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.
Let’s Read! A Middle School Book Group*
Thursday, May 8, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
*Middle Grade Book Group is currently full. Please contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org for more information.
For 5th to 8th graders. We pick different books, we read them, and then each month we get together to talk about that book and have snacks.
Pokémon Club
Tuesday, May 13, 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.
Read with the Crew
Wednesday, May 14, 12:05 – 1:05 pm
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages 3 to 5 with an adult partner. Join us for a special Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch Library to celebrate Public Works Week. Listen to a story read by the City of Bellingham Public Works crew in English and Spanish about big trucks, then visit their trucks in the parking lot (near Dick’s Sporting Goods parking lot).
Builders Club at the Fairhaven Branch
Wednesday, May 14, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Library
For children ages 4 to 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.
Sunday Crafternoon
Sunday, May 18, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 10 to 14. Do you like crafting? How about crafts and snacks? Join us 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.
Builders Club
Monday, May 19, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 4 to 12. Unleash the builder in you. Join us for monthly building challenges. All supplies are provided, including Legos, straw connectors, and more. Duplos and other blocks will also be available for younger children.
Meet-A-Truck
Thursday, May 22, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
210 Lottie St. (Between City Hall and the Central Library)
Fun for children of all ages. You’ve seen big City of Bellingham trucks around town, ever wondered what some of them do? Come meet the Public Works crew and the big trucks and equipment that keep our streets, storm drains, sewer and water lines running smoothly (and one that delivers Library materials). To celebrate Public Works week, there will be demonstrations, activities, crafts and a book station hosted by Bellingham Public Library. Everyone is welcome, no registration necessary.
Library Programs for Adults
Learning Together Forum: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Thursday, May 1, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
Bellingham Public Library is partnering with WWU’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and the Center for Community Learning to present another of the popular Learning Together Forums. These events bring our community together to talk about sustainability. All are 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. Snacks provided. No registration required.
Birchwood Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, May 3, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
Visit the Central Library for the Birchwood Garden Club’s annual plant sale. All are welcome. Bargain prices on plants grown by members of the Birchwood Garden Club and selected to thrive in the local climate. Come early, they sell out quickly. Cash only.
Small Looms
Saturday, May 3, 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 hands-on experience.
Smart Trips Workshop: Active Errands
Monday, May 5, 10:30 – 11:30 am
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Now is the perfect time of year to walk and bike to the library, farmer’s market, post office or just about everywhere. Join Smart Trips’ Education Coordinator Libby Chenault in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library for a free workshop on Active Errands. We’ll look at choosing an enjoyable route, how to carry your load and the health benefits of active transportation. No registration required.
Basic Computer Skills Classes*
Tuesdays, May 6 – June 10, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library (May 20 session will be held in the SkillShare Space)
The Bellingham Public Library and the Whatcom Literacy Council invite people who cannot afford computer classes to sign-up for Basic Computer Skills classes. The classes 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. Classes will be held in the Lecture Room at the Central Library (May 20 session will be in the SkillShare Space).
Tuesday, May 6, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Basic Computer Skills
Tuesday, May 13, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Internet Basics
Tuesday, May 20, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Using Email
Tuesday, May 27, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Microsoft Word
Tuesday, June 3, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Google Docs
Tuesday, June 10, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Career Search Skills
*Pre-registration required. You can sign up for a single class or all 8, as space allows. Separate registration required for each session. Classes will run every Tuesday, May 6 – June 10. Register online or call 360-778-7323 to sign up.
Home Emergency Preparedness
Tuesday, May 6, 6:00 – 6:45 pm
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, May 7, 14, 21, & 28, 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
Bellingham Vet Center Info
Thursday, May 8, 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 share 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.
Correspondence Club
Saturday, May 10, 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, 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.
Smart Trips Workshop: Bike to Work
Monday, May 12, 10:30 – 11:30 am
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Please join Smart Trips’ Education Coordinator Libby Chenault in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library for a free workshop on Getting 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 16 (and all season long). No registration required.
Finding Help with whatcomresources.org
Monday, May 12, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
In this hour long hands-on presentation, Drew Whatley from Opportunity Council and the Whatcom Resource Information Collaborative will walk through how to utilize whatcomresources.org. Drew will provide some background on the ongoing community project, how to use advanced search features, and take suggestions and feedback on the tool. Useful for people trying to find services available to them as well as community advocates who help others navigate the social service landscape.
Embracing Your Mental Health
Monday, May 12, 5:00 – 5:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Bellingham Public Library invites you to attend this special presentation on Embracing Your Mental Health. Program presenter Brandon Burbank will share from personal lived experience about his mental health journey and what has helped him overcome challenges and find balance, with a focus on 5 big components:
- Hospitalizations
- Halfway House
- Mental Health Treatment Program
- Homelessness and Homelessness Recovery
- Return to Work Phase
The presentation will be 20-30 minutes, followed by an opportunity for Q&A. Anyone who is struggling with mental health, or who has loved ones facing challenges with mental health, is invited to attend. No registration required.
About the presenter: Brandon Burbank was born and raised in Bellingham and has an AA in Arts and Sciences from Whatcom Community College. He is very passionate about the subject of mental health and works part-time at Whatcom Clubhouse, a local mental health support organization. Brandon self-published his first book, “Comeback 2 Success: Relentless Commitment for a Better Tomorrow.” He is very involved with NAMI Whatcom and is and is an active volunteer and attendee with Whatcom DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance).
Opportunity Council: Early Learning and Family Services Outreach
Tuesday, May 13 & 27, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Visit the SkillShare Space at the Central Library to talk to members of the Opportunity Council’s Early Learning and Family Services team about preschool programs available throughout Whatcom County. Early Head Start supports infants and toddlers from birth to age 3, while Preschool and Head Start cater to children ages 3 to 5.
Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop
Tuesdays, May 13 and May 20, 4:30 – 6:45 pm
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.
Northwest Regional Council Outreach Specialist
Thursday, May 15, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
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.
Street Law*
Saturday, May 17, 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.
Spinning Fiber
Sunday, May 18, 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 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.
Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 20, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Bellis Fair Branch Library
Regular Library Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings begin at 3:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
Friends of the Library May Book Sale
Wednesday, May 21, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday, May 22, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday, May 23, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, 1/2 Price Day
Saturday, May 24, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, $5 Bag Day
Lecture Room, Central Library
Visit the Lecture Room at the Central Library for the Friends of the Library May Book Sale and browse from a huge selection of books, DVDs, and more. There will be items for all ages and all proceeds benefit your library. Credit card and cash payments will be accepted. Check it out. NOTE: Friday is 1/2 price day and Saturday is $5 a bag.
NAMI Whatcom Peer Support Collaborative
Wednesday, May 21, 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.
Bellingham Reads Book Group
Tuesday, May 27, 12:00 – 1:00 pm IN-PERSON
Lecture Room, Central Library
Tuesday, May 27, 6:30 – 7:30 pm ONLINE*
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In April we’ll be reading and discussing The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. Meet in-person 12:00 – 1:00 pm or register for the online meeting at 6:30 pm.
Media Contact: Annette Bagley, Bellingham Public Library, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206
