Bellingham Public Library features programs and events at multiple library branches and parks in September 2025, including a special Water Week Storywalk® with Public Works along Taylor Dock on Friday, September 12. The Library will also honor national Hispanic Heritage Month in September.
A full schedule of activities for adults and children is listed below. All Bellingham Public Library activities are free of charge. Visit BellinghamPublicLibrary.org for more information about Library services and programs.
All Bellingham Public Library locations will be closed Monday, September 1 for Labor Day.
Library Events For All Ages
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library September Book Sale
Thursday, September 25, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, full price
Friday, September 26, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, full price
Saturday, September 27, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, half price
Saturday, September 27, 1:15 – 4:00 pm, $5 bag
Lecture Room, Central Library
Visit the Lecture Room at the Central Library for the Friends of the Library September Book Sale and browse from a huge selection of books, DVDs, and more. There will be items for all ages and all proceeds benefit your library. Most items are $2. Credit card and cash payments will be accepted.
September Library Programs for Children and Teens
Mixed-Age Music Class with Music Together!
Wednesday, September 3, 10:00 or 11:00 am
Lecture 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 music activities ranging from lullabies to full-on jam sessions (with child-friendly instruments).
Babies Music Class with Music Together!
Wednesday, September 3, 12:00 – 12:45 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages birth – 8 months, and the grownups who love them®, (no older siblings allowed as everything is geared towards the needs of our youngest non-mobile learners). Join Ms. Audrey of Music Together Fairhaven and explore how to bond with your baby through music and learn what to look for and encourage developmentally as they begin their musical journey.
Builder Board Fun!
Thursday, September 4, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Lee Memorial Park, Central Library
For ages 4 – 12. Build with Jack Mckee’s Builder Boards – made from recycled plywood. These boards are for children to work together to create play structures of their own design.
Builders Club
Tuesday, September 9, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For children ages 4 – 12. Join us for 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, September 11, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Conference Room, Central Library
For youth in 5th – 8th grade. Our book group meets on the second Thursday of each month. Snacks provided. *Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org about registration information.
Water Week Storywalk®
Friday, September 12, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Boulevard Park (meet at 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.
Sunday Crafternoon at the Library
Sunday, September 14, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 10 – 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.
Little Storytime
Tuesdays, September 16, 23, 30
10:05, 10:35 & 11:05 am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages birth – 3 with an adult partner. Join us for simple stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Lots of fun. There are multiple sessions of Little Storytime on each date. Please choose the day and time that works best for your family.
Library Explorers
Mondays, September 15, 22, & 29, 3:00 – 3:45 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.
Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
10:05, 10:45 and 11:25 am
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. Note: If entering the mall before 11 am, use the entrance next to Target or the Food Court entrance. There are multiple sessions of Little Storytime on each date. Please choose the time that works best for your family.
Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch
Wednesdays, September 17 & 24, 12:05 – 12:35 pm
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.
Builders Club at the Fairhaven Branch
Wednesday, September 17, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Northwest 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.
Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs
Los miércoles, el 17 de septiembre – el 19 de noviembre / Wednesdays, September 17 – November 19
4:00 – 4:40 pm
Dodson Room, la biblioteca central/Dodson Room, Central Library
Los sábados, el 20 de septiembre – el 22 de noviembre / Saturdays, September 20 – November 22
11:05 – 11:45 am (no Cuentos y cantos Nov. 8)
El centro de aprendizaje temprano, La sucursal del centro comercial Bellis Fair / Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Mall 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.
Preschool Storytime
Thursdays, September 18 & 25, 10:30 – 11:00 am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For children ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.
Pokémon Club
Thursday, September 18, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
For ages 7 – 11. Join fellow Pokémon fanatics for a Pokémon meet-up. All experience levels welcome. Come with friends or make new ones! Enjoy crafts, games, and other activities.
Baby Time*
Wednesdays, September 24 – November 5 , 2:30 – 3:30 pm (no class on October 8)
Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch
Fridays, September 26 – October 31, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Dodson Room, Central Library
For babies ages birth – 12 months with a parent/caregiver. Join Bernice and learn a variety of fun songs, rhymes, and lap plays. We will read stories and talk about the five early literacy practices: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing with your baby and how to easily incorporate these into your daily routines. The last portion of class is dedicated to baby play time and time for parents/caregivers to connect. *Registration is required for this 6-week class. Please choose the day of the week and location that works best for your family.
Pajama Storytime
Thursday, September 25, 5:15 – 5:45 pm
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.
September Library Programs for Adults
Opportunity Council Community Resource Connections
Tuesday, September 2, 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.
Home Emergency Preparedness: Your Under-the-Bed Kit
Tuesday, September 2, 5:00 – 5:45 pm
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. This month will focus on your under-the-bed kit. We discuss how to be prepared to respond safely when an earthquake or other disaster occurs overnight and why this merits discussion. Classes are free and no registration is required.
Library Basics Tech Coaching*
Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
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
*Patrons must pre-register for a half hour session by contacting the Help Desk at 360-778-7323.
Affordable Homeownership in Bellingham with Kulshan Community Land Trust
Thursday, September 4, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Kulshan Community Land Trust (Kulshan CLT) staff will offer information about their 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.
Experience Brain Fitness
Mondays, September 8, 15 & 29, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
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. 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.
Resource Navigation with Community Health Care of Washington
Monday, September 8, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Facing barriers to health care? Come 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, September 9 & 16, 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 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.
Bellingham Vet Center Info
Thursday, September 11, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library where staff from the Bellingham Vet Center will provide 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 experienced 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.
Next Chapter: Your Online Education Journey
Thursday, September 11, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
GCU (Grand Canyon University) invites you to join local program counselors as they present higher education and scholarship opportunities. Drop in to the SkillShare Space at the Central Library to ask questions about online schooling, financial aid, navigating degree program choices and how continuing education may be the next chapter in your story.
Correspondence Club
Saturday, September 13, 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, 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.
Appleseed Open Forum
Saturday, September 13, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Appleseed Open Forum is your chance to talk about the topics you want to discuss, with a group of like-minded people. Each one-hour session is divided into two parts. The group will decide on a topic and discuss it for half an hour. For the second half hour, we will choose a new topic, or continue the first discussion. Everyone is welcome. September‘s first topic is: “How do we engage with difficult ideas?”
Voter Registration with the League of Women Voters
Monday, September 15, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
The League of Women Voters (LWV) will be tabling to register voters, update addresses, and answer questions about the local election on Tuesday, November 4. 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, September 16, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Regular Library 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 Peer Support Collaborative
Wednesday, September 17, 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. NAMI envisions 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.
NW Regional Council Outreach Specialist Onsite
Friday, September 19, 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.
Street Law at the Library*
Saturday, September 20, 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
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. *Pre-registration required. *Please contact the LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079 or info@lawadvocates.org to sign up.
Spinning Fiber
Sunday, September 21, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
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 1 – 3 pm to watch them demonstrate their skills. They love to show the public what they do and the different ways to spin different fibers. They will have spindles specifically for people to try out for themselves with donated fiber.
Bellingham Reads Book Group
Tuesday, September 23
Lecture Room, Central Library
6:30 – 7:30 pm Online* (Registration required)
Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In September we’ll be reading and discussing The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich. Meet in-person from 12:00 – 1:00 pm OR register for the online meeting at 6:30 pm. Register HERE.
Smart Trips Workshop: Bike Maintenance
Thursday, September 25, 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.
Small Looms
Saturday, September 27, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
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 firsthand experience.
Top Ten Book Lists: New Mysteries
Tuesday, September 30, 5:00 – 5:45 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Join us in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library as Adult Services Librarian Katie Bray provides a monthly installment of her top ten book lists across a variety of genres. Whether you’re looking for your next great read, a new selection for your book club, or just want to know the latest and greatest, Katie will offer a hand-picked list of thought-provoking and entertaining titles for you to consider!
Upcoming themes:
Media Contact: Annette Bagley, Bellingham Public Library, Head of Community Relations, ambagley@cob.org
