September 2024 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Library Programs for Adults

Opportunity Council Community Resource Connections

Tuesdays, September 3 and 17

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

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.

Home Emergency Preparedness

Tuesday, September 3

6:00 – 6:45 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

In this series offered by the Bellingham Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management, we will share and discuss a different topic each month, including: an overview of our local hazards, the fundamentals of emergency preparedness, starting your 2-week kit, preparing in a year, creating your household plan, and more.

Northwest Regional Council Outreach Specialists Onsite

Thursdays, September 5, 26

10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in and talk to NWRC Outreach Specialists about how to become an in-home caregiver 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.

WCC Open House: Pathways to Higher Education

Monday, September 9

4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and talk to Whatcom Community College staff in person about college options, financial aid, program details, and any other questions you may have about enrollment, whether it’s to earn your GED, a specialized certification, or college degree.

Drop-In Home Item Repair

Tuesdays, September 10 and 17

4:30 – 6:45 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

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.

League of Women Voters Voting Info and Registration

Wednesday, September 11

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Volunteers with the League of Women Voters in Whatcom County will be in the SkillShare Space, providing voter information and voter registration. Drop in for voting info.

What is Addiction? Plain Talk for Our Community

Thursday, September 12

7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Bellingham High School Performing Arts Center

Addiction touches the lives of millions of people every year. We hear about it, we experience it, but we don’t openly talk about it. In honor of National Recovery Month, join local expert Dr. Shannon Boustead in this all-community event at the Bellingham High School Performing Arts Center, located at 2020 Cornwall Ave, to learn the basics of addiction science and hear from community members in recovery about their lived experiences.  All are welcome. Free. No registration is required. Doors open at 6:30pm. This event is intended for an adult and teen audience. Full details HERE.

Library Board Meeting

Tuesday, September 17

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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. Meetings begin at 3:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and is encouraged to check the library’s website for the meeting agenda and packet.

NAMI Whatcom Resources

Wednesday, September 18

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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 find out what resources are available for anyone impacted by mental health conditions.

Facing Fentanyl Together Resource Far

Friday, September 20

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

Facing Fentanyl Resource Fairs will be hosted on this day across the state by the Department of Social and Health Services and Local Planning Agencies. This partnership aims to connect, coordinate, and communicate resources so that people across Washington can succeed. All are invited to attend.

Street Law at the Library*

Saturday, September 21

10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

SkillShare Space, Central Library

*Pre-registration required
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. *Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079 or info@lawadvocates.org to sign up.

Bellingham Reads Book Group

Tuesday, September 24, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. In-Person

Lecture Room, Central Library

6:40 – 7:30 p.m. Online*

Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In September we’ll be reading and discussing The House of Doors by Twan Eng Tan. No registration needed for in-person meeting. *Registration is required for online meeting. Click HERE to register for the online meeting and receive the Zoom link. Click HERE for the full list of 2024 Bellingham Reads titles.

The Art of Community: Freedom of Thought and Democracy

Tuesday, September 24, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

America is founded on the idea that a functional democracy requires informed citizens. Who decides what “informed” means? Should there be limits and, if so, under what circumstances? What should we do when there are differences in beliefs and values? 

In honor of Banned Books Week, the Bellingham Public Library, the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, and the League of Women Voters invite you to a community conversation on the topic of freedom and democracy. Join your neighbors and share your thoughts as we engage and learn from one another. Note: this is part 1 of a 3-part series. Join us for the following sessions on the following dates: Tuesday, October 8: The Art of Community: Conversing through Controversy; Tuesday, October 22: The Art of Community: Voter Engagement.

For ages 9 – 14. Do you like crafting? Join us for fun and creative crafting. The program is free, and all snacks and materials are provided. No registration required.

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

Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch

Wednesdays, September 11, 18, 25

10:05, 10:45, 11:25 a.m.

Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch

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

Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch

Wednesdays, September 11, 18, 25

12:05 – 12:35 p.m.

Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch

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

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, September 12, 19, 26

10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Dodson Room, Central Library

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

Library Explorers

Thursdays, September 12, 19, 26

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

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.

Stories and Play

Fridays, September 13, 20, 27

10:05 & 11:30 a.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 – 5. A storytime and facilitated play experience for young children and the adults who take care of them. Enjoy stories, songs, play and activities.

Water Week Storywalk®

Friday, September 13

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Boulevard Park (near the play structure)

For children ages 3 – 8. Celebrate Water Week with a read aloud of the Storywalk® along Taylor Dock. This special collaboration with Public Works will feature story, songs, and end with nature inspired crafts. Meet at the play structure at Boulevard Park.

Builders Club at the Fairhaven Library

Wednesday, September 18

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Library

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.

Getting Crafty at the Library

Monday, September 16

4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

For ages 6 – 12. Enjoy some crafting fun. Each month the Library will focus on a new craft or put out a bunch of supplies and have open crafting time. All supplies and snacks are provided.

Builders Club at the Central Library

Monday, September 30

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children ages 4 – 12. Unleash the builder in you. 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.

Baby Time*

Monday, September 30 – November 4

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Dodson Room, Central Library

For babies ages birth – 12 months with an adult partner. Songs, rhymes, bounces, movement, and stories! Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information. *Pre-registration is required! Note: you are registering for all 6 weeks. Click HERE to register.