October 2023 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Bellingham Public Library presents the following programs for adults and children in October 2023. 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.

Adult Programs

Opportunity Council: Community Resource Connections

Opportunity Council staff will be available to provide information, referrals, and assistance on community services like housing, food assistance, basic needs, and more. 

Household Emergency Preparedness

An overview of local hazards, fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting a 2-week kit, preparing in a year, creating your household plan, and more.

Library Basics Tech Coaching*

The Library offers one-on-one coaching on basic tech skills and accessing digital services. *Patrons must register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323. 

Little Looms

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.

Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop

Drop in and work with skilled volunteers to learn how to repair your broken household items.

Ideal Option Substance Use Disorder Info

Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and talk to a peer outreach specialist with Ideal Option, an outpatient medication assisted treatment center for substance use disorder and alcoholism. Information will be provided on substance use disorder, becoming a referral partner, setting new patient appointments and connecting people with other community resources.

Genealogy Jump Start*

Let researchers from the Whatcom Genealogical Society provide one-on-one help with starting your family tree, transitioning from a paper family tree to one on your computer, or help you with a “brick wall” in your research. *Please note: Registration required, email Deanna Stewart at deannastewart40@gmail.com

Library Board Meeting

Board Meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday.

Street Law

Ask questions and get assistance in one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers. Appointments are limited to 15 minutes, and registration is required. *Please contact LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079, ext 16 or www.lawadvocates.org to sign up.

NW Regional Council Outreach Specialists Onsite

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.  

Bellingham Reads Book Group*

Tuesday, October 24, 6:30 – 7:30pm ONLINE

Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In October those in attendance will be selecting the titles for 2024. *Contact Suzanne at scarlson-randini@cob.org or 360-778-7236 to register and receive the Zoom link for the online meeting.

Experience Brain Fitness

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. 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.

Map Your Neighborhood

Learn to create a neighborhood emergency plan in case of a natural disaster or major event.

Voter Registration and Info

The League of Women Voters will provide information on voting and voter registration for the upcoming election in November. Drop by the SkillShare Space at the Central Library to get your questions answered and get registered to vote!

---

Children’s Programs

Sunday Crafternoon for Middle and High School Grades*

Do you like crafting? How about crafts and snacks? Join us the first Sunday of each month in the Lecture Room at the Central Library where we’ll do a different craft each month. Sometimes we’ll have a guest artist! The program is free, and all materials are provided. *Pre-registration for each session is required. Register at bellinghampubliclibrary.org

Little Storytime

For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Little Storytime @ the Bellis Fair Branch

For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Preschool Storytime @ the Bellis Fair Branch

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. 

Special Construction Preschool Storytime with Highline Construction at the Bellis Fair Branch

Wednesday, October 18, 12:05 – 12:35 pm
Bellis Fair Branch 

For ages 3 -5 with an adult partner. Listen to construction-themed stories, ask a real construction worker questions and then get a chance to go outside to look at and climb up on a real excavator!

Preschool Storytime

For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. 

Time for Tales

For children ages 5 – 9 with families welcome. Enjoy fun stories and songs.

Stories and Play

For children ages 3 – 5. A storytime and facilitated play experience for young children and their caregivers.

Baby Time*

For babies ages 0 –12 months with an adult partner. Songs, rhymes, movement, and stories! *Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information. NOTE: You are registering for a 6 week class.

Builders Club @ the Fairhaven Branch

Wednesday, October 11, 3:30 – 5:30pm
Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Library 

For children ages 4 – 12. All supplies are provided, including Legos, straw connectors, and more!

Builders Club

Tuesday, October 24, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Lecture Room, Central Library 

For children ages 4 – 12. All supplies are provided, including Legos, straw connectors, and more!

Pajama Storytime

Wednesday, October 25, 6:15 – 6:45pm
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!

---

Media Contact:

Annette Bagley, Head of Community Relations, Bellingham Public Library, ambagley@cob.org, 360-778-7206