October 2026 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Preschool Storytime at the Central Library

Thursdays, October 1 – November 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.

Stories and Play

Fridays, October 2 – November 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.

Little Storytime at the Central Library

Mondays, October 5 – November 16

Tuesdays, October 6 – November 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, October 5 – November 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, October 6, 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.

Let’s Read! A Middle Grade Book Group*

Thursday, October 8, 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.

Not So Spooky Crafts

Saturday, October 10, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children ages 5 – 10 with their caregiver. Make some crafts to celebrate fall and spooky season. All supplies provided.

Preschool Storytime at Bellis Fair

Wednesdays, October 14 – November 18 (no Preschool Storytime on October 7 and 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, October 17 – November 20, 11:05 – 11:45 am

Bellis Fair Multipurpose Room, Bellis Fair Branch

Art Lab

Thursday, October 15, 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.

Spooktacular Crafts

Thursday, October 22, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For youth in 5^th – 8^th grade. Create some spooky art. All supplies and snacks are provided.

Builders Club at the Fairhaven Library

Wednesday, October 28, 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.

Pajama Storytime

Thursday, October 29, 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.

Library Basics Tech Coaching*

Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 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 

Affordable Homeownership: Drop-In with Kulshan Community Land Trust

Tuesday, October 6, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Kulshan Community Land Trust (Kulshan CLT) staff will answer your questions and 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.

Bellingham Vet Center Information Session

Thursday, October 8, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – PROGRAM IS CANCELED

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library where staff from the Bellingham Vet Center will offer 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 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, October 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, and 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.

Resource Navigation with Community Health Plan of WA

Monday, October 12, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

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.

Drop-In Home Item Repair

Tuesdays, October 13 & 20, 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 Northwest 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 Resources and Advocacy

Wednesday, October 14, 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.

Smart Trips Workshop: Bike Maintenance

Wednesday, October 14, 4:00 – 5:45 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop by the SkillShare space to practice basic bike maintenance with Libby Chenault from Smart Trips. Learn how to lube a chain, pump a tire or fix a flat, then take your new skills home to keep your bike rolling smoothly. Find out which tools are essential, how often you should perform these simple tasks and when your bike needs a more serious repair. Note: You will not be able to bring your own bicycle into the Library for this event. A demo bike will be used.

Opportunity Council Community Resource Connections

Thursday, October 15, 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.

Spinning Fiber

Saturday, October 17, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm – PROGRAM IS CANCELED

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 11:00 am – 1:00 pm to watch them demonstrate their skills. 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.

Voter Registration with the Whatcom County League of Women Voters

Saturday, October 17, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

The Whatcom County League of Women Voters (LWV) will be tabling to register voters, update addresses, and answer questions about the November 3 local election. The LWV are non-partisan. Did you know you can also register online, update your information, and track your ballot at VoteWA.gov website?

Bellingham Public Library Board Meeting

Tuesday, October 20, 3:30 – 5:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

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

Typewriters 101: An Introduction to the Operation and Maintenance

Wednesday, October 21, 1:30 – 4:30 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

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*

Saturday, October 24, 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. 

NW Regional Council Outreach Specialist Onsite

Tuesday, October 27, 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, October 27, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, In-Person

Lecture Room, Central Library

Tuesday, October 27, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Online*

Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In October we’ll be selecting our titles for 2027. 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.

Whatcom Community College Open House Information Session

Wednesday, October 28, 3:30 – 5:30 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

This program provides community members with a welcoming opportunity to explore the educational options and support services available at Whatcom Community College. Drop by to find out about programs, resources, and pathways to college, and get personalized help to make informed decisions about your next educational steps. WCC staff will be able to assist with applications, accessing information, and connecting you with resources to support your learning journey.