Bellingham Public Library features special programs and events for children, teens and adults at multiple library branches in November 2025, including a Stuffy Sleepover for children on Nov. 18, and a Book Club Social for adults on Nov. 15. The Library will also honor Native American Heritage Month with displays of materials, book lists, and staff recommendations.
A full schedule of activities is listed below. All Bellingham Public Library activities are free of charge. Visit BellinghamPublicLibrary.org for more information about Library services and programs.
All Bellingham Public Library locations will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day, and Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving.
November Library Programs for Children and Teens
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs
Los miércoles, el 5, 12, y 19 de noviembre / Wednesdays, November 5, 12, and 19
4:00 – 4:40 pm
Dodson Room, la biblioteca central/Dodson Room, Central Library
Los sábados, el 1, 15, y 22 de noviembre / Saturdays, November 1, 15, and 22 (Tenga en cuenta: No hay Cuentos y cantos el 8 de noviembre / Note: No Cuentos y cantos on November 8)
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
Tuesdays, November 4 & 18 (no Little Storytime on Tuesday, Nov. 11)
10:05, 10:35, & 11:05 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, November 3, 10, & 17, 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.
Builders Club
Tuesday, November 4, 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.
Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, November 5, 12, & 19
10:05, 10:45, 11:25 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, November 5, 12, & 19, 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.
Preschool Storytime
Thursdays, November 6, 13, & 20, 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
10:05 – 11:05 am & 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.
Sunday Crafternoon at the Library
Sunday, November 9, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 10 – 14. Do you like crafting? Join us for fun and creative crafting. The program is free, and all snacks and materials are provided. No registration required.
Builders Club at the Fairhaven Branch
Wednesday, November 12, 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.
Let’s Read! A Middle Grade Book Group*
Thursday, November 13, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Conference 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.
Sesame Street Workshop: Raising Kids in a Digital World*
Thursday, November 13, 5:00 – 5:45 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5 and their caregivers. Join us for a free, family-friendly workshop designed to help young children and their caregivers explore healthy digital habits together. There will be stories, creativity and movement! *Pre-registration is required – space is limited. Click HERE to register.
BPD Literacy Initiative at the Bellis Fair Branch
Friday, November 14, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Bellis Fair Branch
Join the Bellingham Police Department and Bellingham Public Library for this FREE event. Participate in fun crafts, meet our community police officers and learn about tools they use for their jobs. All children ages birth – 5 that attend will receive a free book. This program is made possible through the Whatcom Community Foundation’s Project Neighborly Grant.
Stuffy Sleepover!
Tuesday, November 18, 5:15 – 5:45 pm
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 8 with siblings and family. Join us with your favorite stuffy for a fun, cozy storytime with books, songs and felt activities. Wear your jammies (pajamas) if you’d like. After storytime, your stuffy is invited to spend the night at the library.
Pokémon Club
Thursday, November 20, 3:00 – 4:00 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.
November Library Programs for Adults
Small Looms
Saturday, November 1, 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.
Experience Brain Fitness
Mondays, November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 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.
Opportunity Council Community Resource Connections
Tuesdays, November 4 & 18, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in to learn more about Opportunity Council services, get assistance completing Basic Food Benefit applications, and sign up for Bill Discount Rates through Puget Sound Energy and Cascade Natural Gas.
Home Emergency Preparedness: Shelter-in-Place
Tuesday, November 4, 5:00 – 5:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
In this series offered by the Bellingham Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management, we will share and discuss a different topic each month. This month will focus on Shelter-In-Place. We discuss “expedient” sheltering in place when directed in the event of a local environmental threat such as a spill or release of an industrial quantity of a harmful chemical. We discuss how to select an interior room and how to seal it to create an expedient shelter space. Classes are free and no registration is required!
Library Basics Tech Coaching*
Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19, & 26, 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
Correspondence Club
Saturday, November 8, 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.
Affordable Homeownership in Bellingham with Kulshan Community Land Trust
Saturday, November 8, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Kulshan Community Land Trust (Kulshan CLT) staff will 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.
Resource Navigation with Community Health Plan of WA
Monday, November 10, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
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.
Bellingham Vet Center Information
Thursday, November 13, 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.
Next Chapter: Your Online Education Journey
Thursday, November 13, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
GCU (Grand Canyon University) invites you to join local program counselors as they present higher education and scholarship opportunities. Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library to ask questions about online schooling, financial aid, navigating degree program choices and how continuing education may be the next chapter in your story.
Bellingham Public Library Book Club Social*
Saturday, November 15, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Crystal Ballroom, Hotel Leo
Share your book club joy! Meet local authors, gather new title suggestions, and capture ideas to enrich your book group gatherings at the Bellingham Public Library Book Club Social.
Whether you’ve been in a group for decades or are looking for a group to join, this event is free and fun for all. Spread the word and register here. Coffee, tea and light refreshments provided. Gluten-free and vegan options will be available.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library. We are grateful for their support. *Pre-registration is required. Click HERE to sign up for the waitlist.
Street Law at the Library*
Saturday, November 15, 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, November 16, 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 to 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.
Bellingham Public Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 18, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
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 pm. 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
Tuesday, November 18, 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 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.
NAMI Whatcom Peer Support Collaborative
Wednesday, November 19, 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.
We’ve Got You Covered! Behind-the-Scenes at the Library
Thursday, November 20, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Ever wonder how library books survive hundreds of checkouts? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how Bellingham Public Library keeps books looking good and lasting longer. This demonstration offers a peek into the practical methods library technicians use every day to protect and extend the life of our circulating collection—not rare or archival materials, but the books you check out all the time!
Ragfinery Mending Workshop
Friday, November 21, 11:30 am – 2:30 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 and a new skill. This event is supported by the Whatcom County Waste Reduction Pilot Program.
NW Regional Council Outreach Specialist Onsite
Tuesday, November 25, 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, November 25, 12:00 – 1:00 pm In-Person
Lecture Room, Central Library
Tuesday, November 25, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Online*
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In November, we welcome Deb Shawver, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, to co-facilitate our discussion of Mary Knight’s memoir, “My Life Now”. The author writes about her experiences with childhood abuse and her path toward healing. She provides trigger warnings for each chapter so readers can choose if they want to engage with the content. Mary is a local author and will also be present for the discussion.
Join us in a thoughtful, supported conversation about the book and Mary’s writing process. Meet in-person 12:00 – 1:00 pm or *register for the online meeting at 6:30 pm. Contact Suzanne at 360-778-7236 or scarlson-prandini@cob.org.
Top Ten Book Lists: Book Club Suggestions
Tuesday, November 25, 5:00 – 5:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Join us in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library as Adult Services Librarian Katie Bray provides a monthly installment of her 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 for you to consider.
More Upcoming Monthly themes:
December 30: Best of 2025 and Welcome to Winter Reading
February 24: Recent Black Fiction
March 31: Best Whatcom READS Reads and Winter Reading Celebration
Media Contact: Annette Bagley, Bellingham Public Library, Head of Community Relations, ambagley@cob.org
