Bellingham Public Library - Bellingham, WA

06/19/2026

Mark your calendar! Library Card Night with the Bellingham Bells is happening Thursday, June 25 at Joe Martin Field. Show your library card for free general admission. Gate opens at 5:30pm, first pitch at 6:35pm. We'll see you there!

06/19/2026

Today we're saying thanks to The Colophon Café in Fairhaven for donating prizes to support children's Summer Reading at the Bellingham Public Library. “The Colophon started off in 1985 as a cafe within Village Books, so we have always enjoyed supporting young readers. We continue to reward them with my favorite dessert, one of our giant cookies!” - David Killian, dishwasher/owner, Colophon Café

Kids ages 5 - 18 will be rewarded with a free book from the Friends of the Library, a Summer Reading Superstar sign, and a mystery coupon for a treat donated by a local business when they turn in their first completed Summer Reading activity card by August 31st. Some of those coupons will be for a delicious cookie from The Colophon Café!

For more information about Summer Reading at the Bellingham Public Library, visit us online or at any BPL location through August 31. We've got activity cards for early learners and adults too!

06/17/2026

Bop on down to Lee Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 24 from 10:30am - 12:30pm for Backyard Boogie: Books & Beats edition! There will be dancing, outdoor games, groovy tunes, and crafts for kids in 4th through 8th grade (and younger with adult assistance). Come dressed as your favorite book character! For school age kids up to 8th grade and their families.

06/16/2026

The Bellingham Public Library celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride in June. As always, the library staff have great recommendations for books, DVDs and music for all ages. Visit our website for a full list of booklists and recommendations or pop into any BPL location to check out our display shelves!

Library Assistant Brigid recommends "The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes" by Zoe Playdon. Brigid says "Until the late 1960s, trans people in the UK could correct the gender on their birth certificate when they became an adult. Part of the reason this changed was the lawsuit brought against Ewan Forbes, the heir to a Scottish barony that dated back to the 15th century. He was sued by a cousin who insisted that Ewan was not a man. This, of course, led to a vicious legal battle, but the heart of the story is this remarkable man, and the way his story resists the oversimplifications we love to heap upon the past.”

06/12/2026

Kick off Summer Reading with a Library party at the ballpark! Show your library card at the Bellingham Bells gate at Joe Martin Field on June 25 for a free general admission ticket to the home game that night. One ticket per library card. 5:30pm gates open, 6:35pm first pitch.

Joe Martin Field is located at 1220 Civic Field Way, Bellingham, WA.

06/12/2026

Bellingham Reads is the Library's book discussion group for adults. We'll be exploring early American history with an America 250 themed discussion at our next meetups on June 23 (times & locations listed below).

Participants can choose a title and then share about it at June’s discussion. Talking about different titles will generate a rich reading list and delve into the complexity of American history. Not sure what to read? Here are some suggestions with a range of different perspectives:

"The First Conspiracy" by Brad Meltzer

"Native Nations: A Millennium in North America" by Kathleen Duval

"The Traitor’s Wife: The Woman Behind Benedict Arnold and the Plan to Betray
America" by Allison Pataki

"Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elizabeth" by Claire Bellerieau

Readers can pick one or more OR or a different title that focuses on early American history and then join in the conversation!

Meet in-person on June 23 at 12:00 - 1:00 pm in the Lecture Room at the Central Library OR register for the online meeting at 6:30 pm online by contacting Suzanne at [email protected] or 360-778-7236.

06/11/2026

Fun! Pop down to the Old City Hall and Lightcatcher buildings from Noon - 5pm on June 12 and 26th for FREE Fan Zone activities for all ages with the Whatcom Museum!

Soccer fans, this one's for you. Fan Zone Fridays are coming to the Whatcom Museum — two free Fridays packed with soccer-themed crafts and activities for the whole family.

Join us June 12 and June 26, noon – 5 pm, at both museum locations (Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St. and The Lightcatcher, 250 Flora St.).

Each day you can:
⚽ Snag a free mini soccer ball or screen-printed bag
🏆 Compete in soccer ball juggling contests for prizes
🍦 Grab a treat from Mallard Ice Cream in the courtyard
📺 Watch match screenings in the Old City Hall Rotunda Room
👋 Meet local soccer players from the Bellingham community

Plus, explore our local history, fine art, and Indigenous cultures exhibitions while you're here — and check out the Family Interactive Gallery for special crafts and programs for kids.

Admission is FREE. Fan Zone Fridays are generously supported by the City of Bellingham.

whatcommuseum.org/fan-zone-fridays/

06/05/2026

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Marjane Satrapi, author of the graphic novels "Persepolis", "Chicken with Plums", "Embroideries" and "Woman, Life, Freedom".

Following the success of her first two graphic novels, Marjane Satrapi also became a film maker and painter. Her books and films focused primarily on personal reflections of her time growing up in Iran and as an exile living in France. She was known as an outspoken human rights advocate.

Her graphic novel memoir "Persepolis" is a critical work well known for introducing many readers to the literary format, especially young women. Her stories were a revelation and a gift.

05/31/2026

There are SO MANY books, puzzles, games, DVDs, CDs, and more at the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library May Book Sale happening NOW at the Bellingham Public Library!

The sale opened on Wednesday, May 20 and will continue on Thursday, May 21 until 6:00pm, Friday, May 22 until 6:00pm, and Saturday, May 23 until 1:00pm in the Lecture Room and lower lobby. There are items for all ages and all proceeds benefit the library! Cash or card accepted.

05/28/2026

The month of May is widely recognized by fans as "Star Wars Month" and Bellingham Public Library Clerk, James, has a fun book recommendation to share in celebration!

"We have a 1976 copy of the Del Rey/ Ballantine books novelization of Star Wars! It is really fun to put your hands on a copy of this book published fifty years ago. Check it out for the description of the characters on the dust sleeve, before they knew what a phenomenon it would become.

'Ben Kenobi, a shabby old desert rat...'
'Luke Skywalker, a young farmboy on the remote, sun-baked world of Tattooine, who is compelled to break from the dull chores on his uncle's ranch...'

Author: George Lucas
Recommended Ages: 6-99
Adult Fiction Collection"