September 2026 Bellingham Public Library Programs and Events

Friends of the Bellingham Public Library September Book Sale

Thursday, September 24, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Friday, September 25, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, half-price

Saturday, September 26, 10:00 am – 3:00 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. Credit card and cash payments will be accepted. Check it out!

Learn more about the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library, including how to become a Friend.

Mixed-Age Music Class with Music Together®

Friday, September 4, 10:05 – 10:55 am

Lecture Room, Central Library

For 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).

Babies Music Class with Music Together®

Friday, September 4, 11:30 am – 12:20 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!

Builders Club at the Central Library

Tuesday, September 8, 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 10, 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Fireplace Room, Fairhaven Library Branch

For youth entering 5^th – 8^th grade in the fall. Join us for book discussion, activities, and snacks.

*Pre-registration is required. Contact Lesley at lsnorman@cob.org for registration information.

Water Week StoryWalk® Read Aloud at Boulevard Park

Thursday, September 17, 10:30 – 11:30 am

Boulevard Park (meet at the play structure)

For children ages 3 – 8. Celebrate Water Week with a librarian-led read aloud of the StoryWalk® along Taylor Dock. This special collaboration with City of Bellingham Public Works and Bellingham Public Library will feature a story, songs, and nature inspired crafts. Meet at the play structure at Boulevard Park. Whatcom Water Week is Sept. 12 – 20, 2026.

Pokémon Club

Friday, September 18, 2:00 – 3:00 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. 

Little Storytime at the Central Library

Mondays, September 21 – November 16

Tuesdays, September 22 – November 17

10:05 am, 10:35 am, & 11:35 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.

Library Explorers

Mondays, September 21 – 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.

Little Storytime at Bellis Fair

Wednesdays, September 23 – November 18 (no Little Storytime on October 7 and November 11)

10:05 am, 10:45 am, & 11:25 am

Multipurpose Room, Bellis Fair Library 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.

Preschool Storytime at Bellis Fair

Wednesdays, September 23 – 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. Join us for fun and engaging stories, songs, fingerplays, and a simple craft.

Baby Time at Bellis Fair*

Wednesdays, September 23 – November 4 (no Baby Time on October 7)

2:30 – 3:30 pm

Multipurpose Room, Bellis Fair Library Branch

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. Wednesdays, September 23 – November 4 (no class on October 7). Register here.

Builders Club at the Fairhaven Library

Wednesday, September 23, 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.

Preschool Storytime at the Central Library

Thursdays, September 24 – November 19, 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.

Baby Time at the Central Library*

Fridays, September 25 – October 30, 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. Fridays, September 25 – October 30. Register here.

Pajama Storytime

Wednesday, September 30, 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.

Library Basics Tech Coaching*

Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17, & 24, 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 

Drop-In Home Item Repair

Tuesdays, September 8 & 15, 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.

Participate in Democracy Series

Federal Civics 101: How Should We Celebrate America at 250?*

Wednesday, September 9, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

In this 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this interactive workshop will explore the words and legacies of the Declaration and other “Founding Documents.” After reading the Declaration aloud and learning about its role in U.S. and global history, participants will discuss what the Declaration can mean to us now.

Program provided by Michael Bowman, Rural Civic Engagement Specialist, Office of Washington Secretary of State. Pizza will provided for participants. *Registration is requested.

View all events in the Participate in Democracy series.

Bellingham Vet Center Information Session

Thursday, September 10, 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 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.

Participate in Democracy Series

Civil Discussion: Should Washington Rivers Have Rights?*

Thursday, September 10, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

Should Washington rivers have rights? Join us for an interactive deliberation on granting legal rights to rivers. We’ll explore an ongoing case related to the Snohomish River and consider how cases like it could impact environmental and governance decisions in Washington. 

Program provided by Michael Bowman, Rural Civic Engagement Specialist, Office of Washington Secretary of State. Pizza will provided for participants.*Registration is requested.

View events in the Participate in Democracy series.

Correspondence Club

Saturday, September 12, 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.

Voter Registration with the Whatcom County League of Women Voters

Monday, September 14, 11:00 am – 1:00 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?

Resource Navigation with Community Health Plan of WA

Monday, September 14, 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.

Bellingham Public Library Board Meeting

Tuesday, September 15, 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.

NAMI Whatcom Resources and Advocacy

Wednesday, September 16, 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.

Typewriters 101: An Introduction to the Operation and Maintenance

Wednesday, September 16, 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.

Opportunity Council Community Resource Connections

Thursday, September 17, 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.

Growing Community Through Food

Thursday, September 17, 4:00 – 5:45 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

Join us for a celebration of the stories behind our food – where it comes from, the cultural traditions it carries, and how it nourishes both our bodies and our communities. This interactive event features short films by Connecting Community, bites provided by local chefs, and group conversations facilitated by WWU’s Community Engagement Fellows.

Together, we’ll explore:

• How local food systems help us grow community and express shared values.
• Cultural connections to food and what we need to heal and flourish.
• Ways to spark inspiration, strengthen wellness, and connect with each other.

Doors open at 3:30 pm. Weather permitting, portions of the event will take place outdoors in the Lee Memorial Park. Food and beverages will be provided. Free and open to all.

Ragfinery Mending Workshop

Monday, September 21, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Have clothing or gear that could use a little loving (i.e. rips, tears, holes)? Stop by for a free mending lesson from talented Ragfinery volunteers. Learn how to repair your clothes in real time and walk away with a fixed garment and a new skill.

Please note that “mending” refers to patching, replacing buttons, darning knitwear, etc. Mending excludes more involved processes such as hemming and alterations.

NW Regional Council Outreach Specialist Onsite

Tuesday, September 22, 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, September 22, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, In-Person

Lecture Room, Central Library

Tuesday, September 22, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Online*

Bellingham Reads is the Library’s book discussion group for adults. In September we’ll be reading and discussing The Appeal by Janice Hallett. 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.

Smart Trips Workshop: Bike Maintenance

Thursday, September 24, 11:00 am – 1:00 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.

Street Law at the Library*

Saturday, September 26, 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. 

Whatcom Community College Open House Information Session

Wednesday, September 30, 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.