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SkillShare

Bringing People Together to Share and Learn

Join us to try something new! We’re bringing people together to connect and learn with free workshops, activities, and info sharing. Popular activities have included ukulele lessons, tai chi sessions, arts and crafts, information about local resource providers, and more.

SkillShare sessions are listed on our online calendar. Or simply drop by and see what’s happening!

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s an area set aside inside the Central Library where community members and local organizations can share their knowledge, skills, information, and creativity. The space is flexible and visible, designed so people can see or hear an activity and join in. We also promote these programs in advance so people can plan ahead to participate. SkillShare is designed to support the Bellingham Public Library mission:

Connecting our community with each other and the world.

Programs held in SkillShare are public events, provided free-of-charge and open to all library patrons though generally targeting adults. Tables and chairs are provided, and can be arranged to accommodate up to 16, or removed if not needed. Electrical outlets and a large whiteboard are available for use. Presenters may connect via their own devices to a digital display for presentations.

All SkillShare programs must take place during open hours at the Central Library.

What do you have to offer!? We are specifically interested in programs, presentations, activities or demonstrations that:

  • Support life-long learning, especially promoting literacy, technology and other key life skills;
  • Spark creativity, encouraging self-expression through various forms of art and media;
  • Offer information, services or skills that are not widely available, or are not typically available free-of-charge;
  • Offer fun, interactive and creative ways to bring people together to share and learn;
  • Can be conducted in an open area, with acceptable levels of noise, odor, clean-up requirements and other potential disruptions;
  • Are community-driven, facilitating knowledge-sharing among community members and require no or minimal support from library staff;
  • Can be repeated, especially if they prove to be popular!

SkillShare hosts agree to:

  • Offer their skills at no charge to either the library or the public;
  • Commit to a scheduled time, date and program description;
  • Assist with publicizing the program, as applicable and agreed upon with library staff;
  • Provide their own equipment, such as materials, props, laptops or other devices and appropriate cabling for presentations, etc.;
  • Set up chairs, tables and equipment as needed and return them to their original arrangement when finished;
  • Present the specified program as scheduled;
  • Share skills and experience but not overtly promote a private business. Hosts are welcome to provide information about their expertise and their contact information;
  • Provide program evaluation forms to participants;
  • Provide a headcount of program participants to library staff;
  • Provide feedback to library staff about the experience of hosting programs in SkillShare;
  • Follow the Bellingham Public Library Rules of Conduct, applicable portions of the Community Room Policy, and all local, state and federal laws.

Once a proposal has been accepted, the Bellingham Public Library will:

  • Reserve the SkillShare space for the program at no charge to the presenter;
  • Publicize the program on paper and online events calendars, digital signs and via other avenues as applicable and as lead time allows;
  • Introduce new hosts to the space and demonstrate the set-up routine;
  • Provide tables, chairs, electrical and data plug-ins;
  • Provide program evaluation forms for distribution to participants.

Want to present a SkillShare program? Click on the application form below!

SkillShare Program Presenter Application *

Special Thanks

The creation of SkillShare was funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, with local support from Zervas Group and Friends of the Bellingham Public Library.

Contact:

Jenni Johnson, Community Relations Specialist

jjohnson@cob.org

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