Autumn is here and the Bellingham Public Library offers a full line-up of programs and events for all ages in October 2024. Special displays and reading recommendations from Library staff will feature Hispanic Heritage Month, Horror, Emergency Preparedness, and Voting.
Locations are noted below for each program, including the Central Library, the Bellis Fair Branch, the Fairhaven Library Branch, and other Bellingham locations. For more information visit BellinghamPublicLibrary.org. All Library programs are free of charge.
Library Programs for Adults
Opportunity Council Community Resource Connections
Tuesdays, October 1 and 15
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, October 1
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.
Small Looms
Saturday, October 5
12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
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.
WCC Open House: Pathways to Higher Education
Monday, October 7 and 21
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.
Northwest Regional Council Outreach Specialists Onsite
Tuesday, October 8 and Thursday, October 31
10:00 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.
The Art of Community: Conversing through Controversy
Tuesday, October 8, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
When people care fervently about issues, we may find ourselves feeling polarized and divided. While conflict is natural, learning how to soften these divides through constructive conversation takes practice. Please join us as we explore how to maintain civil relationships when talking about hot topics – building together our community skills to self-regulate, maintain openness, lean in with curiosity, and connect across difference. Join your neighbors as we engage with and learn from one another.
NOTE: This is part 2 of a 3-part series hosted by the Bellingham Public Library in partnership with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center and the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County. For information about the next session, click HERE.
Drop-In Home Item Repair
Tuesdays, October 8 and 15
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.
Genealogy Jump Start*
Saturday, October 12
10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
*Pre-registration required. See below for info on how to register.
Whatcom Genealogy Society will be celebrating Family History Month in October 2024 by hosting Genealogy Jump Start on October 12 in the SkillShare Space at the 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.
You will be asked to bring any information on family names, birth dates, and places where your ancestors lived to help us get started. If you have that information on a computer or want to transition to a tree on your computer, please bring your laptop.
*To schedule a research time, please email Susan Gonzalez at govigs@hotmail.com.
Experience Brain Fitness
Mondays, October 14, 21, 28
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
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! 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!
NAMI Whatcom Resources
Wednesday, October 16
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.
Library Basics Tech Coaching*
Wednesdays, October 16, 23, 30
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
*Pre-registration required. The Library offers one-to-one coaching on basic tech skills and accessing our digital services. *Patrons must register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
League of Women Voters
Saturday, October 19
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
The general election is happening on Tuesday, November 5, and every vote counts! Drop in to the SkillShare Space and get voting information and assistance with voter registration from volunteers with the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County.
Bellingham Reads Book Group
Tuesday, October 22, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. IN PERSON
Lecture Room, Central Library
Tuesday, October 22, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. ONLINE*
*Pre-registration required for online meeting. Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In October we’ll be voting on titles for 2025 and reading and discussing Moonbird by Phillip Hoose. *Click HERE to register for the ONLINE meeting and receive the Zoom link.
The Art of Community: Voter Engagement
Tuesday, October 22
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
This is the final session of the Fall 2024 Art of Community series. Voting by election day is one way of expressing your wishes for government and we’ll explore other ways of making one’s voice heard throughout the year and share experiences communicating with elected officials.
Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 22
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Board Room, Central Library
Regular Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Click HERE for more information and meeting agendas and minutes.
Road2Home Presentation and Information
Tuesday, October 22
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Road2Home staff will offer this presentation for anyone who wants to better understand homelessness in our community, the causes, factors, and what Road2Home is doing to help and what others can do.
Learning Together Forum: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Wednesday, October 23
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
The Library is partnering with WWU’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and the Center for Community Learning to bring people together to talk about sustainability topics. Participants will leave with new connections and opportunities for action.
Northwest Youth Services: Queer Youth Services
Wednesday, October 23
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library and talk to staff from Northwest Youth Services about the services they provide to young people ages 13 – 24, including their new Queer Youth Services program.
Street Law at the Library*
Saturday, October 26
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.
Library Programs for Children
Little Storytime
Mondays, October 7, 14, 21, 28
Tuesdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29
10:05, 10:35, & 11:05 a.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, October 2, 16, 23, 30 (no Little Storytime on October 9)
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, October 2, 16, 23, 30 (no Preschool Storytime on October 9)
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.
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs
Los sábados, el 5 de octubre – el 23 de noviembre/ Saturdays, October 5 – November 23
11:05 – 11:45 a.m.
El centro de aprendizaje temprano, La sucursal del centro comercial Bellis Fair / Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Mall Branch
Los miércoles, el 2 de octubre – el 20 de noviembre/Wednesdays, October 2 – November 20 (No hay Cuentos y cantos 9 de octubre / No Stories and Songs on October 9)
3:30 – 4:10 p.m.
Dodson Room, la biblioteca central/Dodson Room, Central Library
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.
Preschool Storytime
Thursdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
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, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
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, October 4, 11, 18, 25
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.
Baby Time*
Mondays, September 30 – November 4
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Fridays, October 4 – November 8
10:30 – 11:30 a.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! Call 360-778-7200 or email Bernice at bchang@cob.org for registration information. Note: registration is for all 6 weeks.
Sunday Crafternoon at the Library: Vintage Ghost Paintings
Sunday, October 6
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 9 – 14.Do you like crafting? Join us in the Lecture Room at the Central Library for a fun crafting activity, “Vintage Ghost Paintings”. The program is free, and all materials are provided.
Let’s Read! A Middle Grade Book Group*
Thursday, October 10
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
*Pre-registration is required. Space is limited.
For youth in 5th – 8th grade. At the October meeting, you will receive the first book to discuss at the November book group. Snacks provided. *Click HERE to register. Note: Registration is for the full Fall Session (November is a virtual visit with author, Rex Ogle, author of our first pick, Free Lunch!). Meeting dates are Thursday, October 10; Wednesday, November 13 (4:30 – 5:30pm); and Thursday, December 12.
Builders Club at the Fairhaven Library
Wednesday, October 16
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
Wednesday, October 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.
(Not Too) Terrifying Terrariums*
Friday, October 18
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
*Pre-registration required. For ages 11 – 14. Celebrate the spooky season by making your own ghastly, glass ghost home. All snacks, ghouls, and tools will be provided. *Click HERE to register.
Music Class with Music Together!
Tuesday, October 22
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Dodson Room, Central Library
Children ages birth – 5 and the grownups who love them® are invited for a fun-filled family music time! Ms. Audrey of Music Together Fairhaven will lead in music activities ranging from lullabies to full-on jam sessions (with child-friendly instruments).
Stuffy Sleepover!
Wednesday, October 23
6:15 – 6:45 p.m.
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! After storytime, your stuffy is invited to spend the night at the library!
Builders Club at the Central Library
Monday, October 28
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.
Teen Create ‘N Chill
Tuesday, October 29
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Lecture Room, Central Library
Youth in grades 6 through 10 are invited to drop in to draw, craft, write, read, or just hang quietly in a mellow space just for them. Bring your hobby and your chill vibe. Snacks and drawing supplies provided.