November 2026 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Spinning Fiber @ Bellis Fair

Saturday, November 7, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

Multipurpose Room, Bellis Fair Branch

The SpinDrifters, Whatcom County’s spinning guild, will demonstrate their spinning wheels and drop spindles. Drop in anytime from 1:00 – 3:30 pm. 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.

Typewriters 101: An Introduction to the Operation and Maintenance @ Bellis Fair

Tuesday, November 10, 10:30 – 11:30 am

Multipurpose Room, Bellis Fair Branch

Note: If entering the Mall before 11:00 am, please use the public entrance near the Food Court or near Target.

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.

Street Law at the Library @ Bellis Fair*

Saturday, November 14, 1:00 – 4:30 pm

Multipurpose Room, Bellis Fair Branch

*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. 

Community Resource Open House @ Bellis Fair

Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Multipurpose Room, Bellis Fair Branch

Note: If entering the Mall before 11:00 am, please use the public entrance near the Food Court or near Target.

Join us for a collaborative, one‑stop monthly community event bringing together five local organizations dedicated to supporting Bellingham residents. Drop in to connect with experts who can help you and your family to navigate resources, explore educational pathways, access affordable homeownership programs, and more. Whether you’re looking for assistance, information, or new opportunities, this event offers personalized guidance all in one place.

Patrons can connect with:

• Community Health Plan of Washington Get help navigating community resources, insurance benefits, and supportive services with Case Management and Account Manager staff. Assistance is available to everyone; however, benefits specific to CHPW insurance are only available to CHPW members.
• Kulshan Community Land Trust Learn how shared equity homeownership works, who qualifies, how to apply, and how Kulshan CLT is expanding affordable homeownership opportunities across Whatcom County.
• LAW Advocates of Whatcom County Find out about free civil legal assistance available to low-income Whatcom County residents.
• Northwest Regional Council Speak with an NWRC Outreach Specialist about the WA Cares Fund and discover local supports for older adults and people with disabilities in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties.
• Opportunity Council Get help completing Basic Food applications, learn about community services, and sign up for Bill Discount Rates through Puget Sound Energy and Cascade Natural Gas.
• Whatcom Community College Explore WCC’s educational programs, resources, and support services. Staff will be available to assist with applications, answer questions, and help you plan your next educational steps.

Bellingham Public Library Board Meeting

Tuesday, November 17, 3:30 – 5:00 pm

Board Room, Central Library

Regular Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Bellingham Public 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.

Bellingham Reads Book Group

Tuesday, November 24, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, In-Person

Lecture Room, Central Library

Tuesday, November 24, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Online*

Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In November we’ll be reading and discussing The Cruelest Miles by Gay and Laney Salisbury. Meet in-person 12:00 – 1:00 pm OR *register for the online meeting at 6:30 pm online or by contacting Suzanne at scarlson-prandini@cob.org or 360-778-7236.

Repair and How-To Open House @ Bellis Fair

Tuesday, November 24, 3:30 – 5:30 pm

Multipurpose Room, Bellis Fair Branch

Drop in for a an afternoon of learning practical repair and maintenance skills from three local organizations dedicated to reuse, sustainability, and self‑reliance. Whether you’re hoping to fix a broken household item, mend well‑loved clothing, or learn essential bike maintenance techniques, this event offers friendly guidance and useful knowledge for everyday life.

Patrons can connect with:

• Northwest Free Repairs – Work alongside skilled volunteers to diagnose and repair common household items such as toys, small kitchen appliances, electronic tools, and more. Please note that owners participate in the repair process with volunteer support, and items cannot be dropped off.

• Ragfinery – Bring clothing or gear with rips, holes, or missing buttons for a free mending lesson from Ragfinery’s talented volunteers. Learn hands‑on techniques like patching, darning, and simple repairs. Note that mending does not include hemming or alterations.

• Smart Trips – Practice basic bike maintenance skills with Libby Chenault from Smart Trips. Learn how to lube a chain, pump a tire, fix a flat, identify essential tools, and determine when a bike needs more advanced repair. Note that bicycles cannot be brought into Bellis Fair for this session.

This collaborative drop‑in event invites community members to build confidence, gain new skills, and keep everyday items in good working order—all while reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable community.

Little Storytime at the Central Library

Mondays, November 2, 9, 16

Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17

10:05 am, 10:35 am, & 11:35 am

Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Enjoy simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun.

Library Explorers

Mondays, November 2, 9, 16, 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 at the Central Library

Tuesday, November 3, 3:30 – 5:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children ages 4 – 12. Enjoy 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.

Preschool Storytime at Bellis Fair

Wednesdays, November 4 & 18 (no Preschool Storytime on November 11)

12:05 – 12:35 pm

Multipurpose Room, Bellis Fair Library Branch

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Enjoy fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.

Saturdays, November 7, 14, 21, 11:05 – 11:45 am

Multipurpose Room, Bellis Fair Branch

Preschool Storytime at the Central Library

Thursdays, November 5, 12, 19, 10:30 – 11:00 am

Dodson Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Enjoy fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.

Foliage Fiesta

Thursday, November 5, 2:00 – 3:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 3 – 8 and their families. Join us for a read aloud followed by leaf-inspired crafts.

Stories and Play

Fridays, November 6, 13, 20

10:05 – 11:05 am or 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. Enjoy stories, songs, play and activities.

Let’s Read! A Middle Grade Book Group*

Thursday, November 12, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For youth entering 5^th – 8^th grade in the fall. Enjoy a book discussion, activities, and snacks.

*Pre-registration is required. Contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org for registration information.

Stuffy Sleepover!

Tuesday, November 17, 5:15 – 5:45 pm

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. Wear your jammies (pajamas) if you’d like.

Builders Club at the Fairhaven Library

Wednesday, November 18, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Library Branch

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.

Art Lab

Thursday, November 19, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For youth in 5th – 8th grade. Feeling creative? Try Art Lab. Each month we will focus on a specific art medium and we’ll get creative together. All supplies provided.