SkillShare

Library Basics Tech Coaching*

Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library (June 18 & 25 sessions will be in Study Room 1)

*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 

Resource Navigation with Community Health Plan of WA

Monday, July 6, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

SkillShare Space, Central Library

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.

Whatcom Community College Open House Info Session

Wednesday, July 8 and Friday, July 31, 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.

Bellingham Vet Center Information

Thursday, July 9, 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.

Ragfinery Mending Workshop

Friday, July 10, 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 & 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.

Correspondence Club

Saturday, July 11, 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.

Drop-In Home Item Repair

Tuesdays, July 14 & 21, 3:30 pm – 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.

NAMI Whatcom Resources and Advocacy

Wednesday, July 15, 10:30 – 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. They 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 Operation and Maintenance

Wednesday, July 15, 1:30 – 4:30 pm

*Lecture Room, Central Library

Enjoy 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, July 16, 10:15 – 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.

Affordable Homeownership: Drop-In with Kulshan Community Land Trust

Wednesday, July 22, 2:00 – 4:00 pm – PROGRAM IS CANCELED

SkillShare Space, Central Library

Kulshan Community Land Trust (Kulshan CLT) staff will answer your questions and 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. 

Street Law at the Library*

Saturday, July 25, 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. 

NW Regional Council Outreach Specialist Onsite

Tuesday, July 28, 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.

Contact:

Miranda LeonJones, Events Coordinator

mcleonjones@cob.org