Storytimes and Children’s Programs

The Caldecott Club: Mock Caldecott!

Thursdays, January 8, 15, and Monday, January 26, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children of all ages and their families. Join the Caldecott Club for an exciting exploration of the year’s most stunning picture books! Read as many as you can, vote for your favorites, and then join us for a red carpet event on Monday, January 26 where we will watch the Youth Media Award ceremony together and hope our favorites win! A collaboration with the Bellingham Family Partnership Program.

Little Storytime

Mondays, January 12 – March 23 (No Little Storytime on Jan. 19 and Feb. 16)

Tuesdays, January 13 – March 24

10:05 – 10:35 am, 10:35 – 11:05 am, and 11:05 – 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, January 12 – March 23, 3:30 – 4:15 pm (No Library Explorers on Jan. 19 and Feb. 16)

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. NOTE: at the January 12 session of Library Explorers we will be welcoming the arrival of salmon eggs in the Children’s Department.

Welcome Salmon Eggs to the Library!

Monday, January 12, 4:00 pm

Children’s Department, Central Library

Join Bellingham Public Library and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association staff in welcoming this year’s salmon eggs to the library. Children of all ages are invited to join us in the Children’s Department to watch the eggs move into the aquarium!

Little Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch

Wednesdays, January 14 – March 25

10:05 – 10:35 am, 10:45 – 11:15 am, and 11:25 – 11:55 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 a.m., use the entrance next to Target or the Food Court entrance.

Preschool Storytime at the Bellis Fair Branch

Wednesdays, January 14 – March 25, 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.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, January 15 – March 26, 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.

Art Lab

Thursday, January 15, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For youth in 5th – 8th grade. Feeling creative? Come to Art Lab! Each month we will focus on a specific art medium and we’ll get creative together. All supplies provided.  

Stories and Play

Fridays, January 16 – March 27 (No Stories and Play on Jan. 30)

10:05 – 11:05 am and 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Lecture Room, Central Library

For children ages 3 – 5. This is a storytime and facilitated play experience for young children and the adults who take care of them.  Come enjoy stories, songs, play and activities!

Baby Time

Wednesdays, January 21 – February 25, 2:30 – 3:30 pm*

Early Learning Center, Bellis Fair Branch

Fridays, January 23 – February 27, 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. *Pre-registration is required for this 6-week class. Please choose the day of the week and location that works best for your family.

Cuentos y cantos / Stories and Songs

Los miércoles, el 21 de enero – el 25 de marzo / Wednesdays, January 21 – March 25
4:00 – 4:40 pm
Dodson Room, la biblioteca central / Dodson Room, Central Library

Los sábados, el 24 de enero – el 28 de marzo / Saturdays, January 24 – March 28
11:05 – 11:45 am
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.