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
Tuesdays, October 3, 17, 31, 10:00am – 12:00pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
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
Tuesday, October 3, 6:00 – 6:45pm
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.
Library Basics Tech Coaching*
Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2:00 – 4:00pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Thursdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Bellis Fair Branch
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
Saturday, October 7, 12:00 – 3:00pm
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.
Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop
Tuesdays, October 10, 17, 4:30 – 6:45pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in and work with skilled volunteers to learn how to repair your broken household items.
Ideal Option Substance Use Disorder Info
Fridays, October 13, 27, 1:00 – 4:00pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
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*
Saturday, October 14, 10:30am – 4:30pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
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
Tuesday, October 17, 3:30 – 5:00pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
Board Meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday.
Street Law
Saturday, October 21, 10:30am – 12:30pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Pre-registration required (starting October 9)
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
Monday, October 23, 10:30am – 2:00pm
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.
Bellingham Reads Book Group*
Tuesday, October 24, 12:00 – 1:00pm IN-PERSON
Lecture Room, Central Library
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
Tuesday, October 24, 1:30 – 2:30pm
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. 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
Tuesday, October 24, 6:00 – 6:45pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Learn to create a neighborhood emergency plan in case of a natural disaster or major event.
Voter Registration and Info
Saturday, October 28, 10:00am – 1:00pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
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*
Sunday, October 1
For ages 9 – 12, 1:30 – 3:00pm
For ages 13 – 16, 3:30 – 5:00pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
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
![](https://bellinghampubliclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Mall-Storytime-1060x596.jpg)
Little Storytime
Mondays, October 2 – November 13
Thursdays, October 5 – November 16
10:05, 10:35, & 11:05am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Little Storytime @ the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, October 4 – November 15
10:05, 10:45, & 11:25am
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
*If attending a storytime prior to 11am, please use the Mall Entrance at the Food Court or near Target
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Preschool Storytime @ the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, October 4 – November 15
12:05 – 12:35pm
Early Learning Center, 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
Thursdays, October 5 – November 16
3:00 – 3:30pm
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Time for Tales
Thursdays, October 5 – November 16
1:30 – 2:15pm
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 5 – 9 with families welcome. Enjoy fun stories and songs.
Stories and Play
Fridays, October 6 – November 17
(no Stories and Play on Friday, November 10)
10:05 – 11:05am & 11:30am – 12:30pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5. A storytime and facilitated play experience for young children and their caregivers.
Baby Time*
*Pre-registration required
Fridays, October 6 – October 27
10:30 – 11:30am
Mondays, October 2 – October 30
3:00 – 4:00pm
Dodson Room, Central Library
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