September 2023 Bellingham Public Library Programs & Events

Bellingham Public Library presents the following programs for adults and children in September 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

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. Ideal Option is 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. Anyone in Whatcom County who has been indirectly or directly affected by substance use disorder is welcome. 

Story Night with the Bellingham Storytellers Guild

Opportunity Council: Community Resource Connections

Drop in to meet with staff from Opportunity Council’s Community Resource Center and Community Programs teams. Staff will be available to provide information, referrals, and assistance on various community services. Get help with housing, food assistance, basic needs, and more. 

Household Emergency Preparedness

In this series offered by the Bellingham Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management, a different topic is shared and discussed each month, including: an overview of local hazards, the fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting a 2-week kit, preparing in a year, creating a household plan, and more. Classes are free and no registration is required.

Library Basics Tech Coaching

The Library offers one-on-one basic technology skills such as: downloading or streaming the Library’s ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, efilms and emusic, basic computer / smartphone / tablet / e-reader skills, setting up and using email and more. *Patrons must pre-register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.

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. No matter what your age, you can change and strengthen your brain. 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.

Drop-In Home Item Repair Workshop

Bring your broken household items to SkillShare 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. For more information about NW Free Repairs, please visit https://nwfreerepairs.wordpress.com/

Library Board Meeting

Regular Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings begin at 3:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and may view the meeting agenda and minutes here.

Friends of the Bellingham Public Library Book Sale

Browse a huge selection of books, DVDs, and more for all ages. All proceeds benefit Bellingham Public Library. Cash, cards, and checks accepted.

Northwest Regional Council Outreach Specialists at Library

Drop in and talk to NWRC Outreach Specialists about their Dementia Support Program, how to become an in-home caregiver for low income adults, and other services NWRC provides or can connect you to. Northwest Regional Council is a local agency that provides support for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties.

Street Law

Street Law is a free legal advice clinic where people can 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. *Please contact the LAW Advocates at www.lawadvocates.org or 360-671-6079, ext 16 or to sign up.

Bellingham Reads Book Group

Bellingham Reads is Bellingham Public Library’s book discussion group for adults. The title for September is Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton. All are welcome to participate, no registration is required for the in-person meeting.

Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. The title for September is Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton. All are welcome to participate. Throughout September, the eBook and eAudiobook versions of the title are available with no waiting in the Libby app. To register for the online meeting, contact Suzanne at 360-778-7236 or scarlson-prandini@cob.org.

Map Your Neighborhood

Map Your Neighborhood is a simple community-driven program that brings neighbors together to share information and develop their plan for emergencies and disasters. Learning to plan and work together as a neighborhood makes our community stronger and improves the quality of life for us all. Instructor Greg Hope is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Bellingham Fire Department Office of Emergency Management.

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Children’s Programs

Little Storytime

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

Builders Club

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.   

Little Storytimes @ the 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

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.

Preschool Storytime

For children ages 3 – 5 years old with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

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. Please note: you are registering for a 6 week class.

Cuentos y cantos/Stories and Songs at the Bellis Fair Library 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.

Pajama Storytime

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!

Stories and Play

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