The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library (FOBPL) is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization established in 1952. The Friends are here to assist the Bellingham Public Library to better serve the citizens of Bellingham by:
Meetings | Membership | Newsletters | Booksales & Nearly New Books | Donations | Magazine Swap | Memorial Gift Program
Officers meet regularly on the 2nd Thursday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the Lecture Room at the Central Library. Please call 360-778-7250 or email bellinghamfriends@yahoo.com for details.
The Friends of the Fairhaven Library is a sub-committee of FOBPL dedicated to the Fairhaven Branch. Committee representatives attend FOBPL Board meetings.
To join the Friends, print out a Membership Application and mail it to:
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library
210 Central Avenue - CS9710
Bellingham, WA 98227-9710
You may also pick up a Membership Application at any Bellingham Public Library location.
Book Sales and Nearly-New Books
Book lovers rejoice! Attend our used book sales and support your local library! For more information, please call 360-778-7250. The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library hold a minimum of four used book sales annually with most items priced $2 or less. In 2008, proceeds from these sales resulted in over $60,000 in donations to the library in the form of new children’s books, library furnishings, computer workstations, and fun programs for families.
SEPTEMBER BOOK SALE September 1 - 4
The schedule is as follows:
| Wednesday, 9/1 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Preview Sale | Double the Marked Price |
| Thursday, 9/2 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Regular Price | |
| Friday, 9/3 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Half-Price Sale | |
| Saturday, 9/4 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | $3 Bag |
Children who successfully completed the 2010 Summer Reading Program by reading 15 books may visit the sale Thursday through Saturday and use their prize book certificates to select one free book of their choice, courtesy of the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library.
DECEMBER BOOK SALE December 1 - 4
Books in like-new condition are available for purchase on an ongoing basis at both the Central Library and the Fairhaven Branch. Many have been donated by Village Books. Bargains abound!
Used and new books in good, sellable condition are always welcome and appreciated! Audiobooks, music CDs and DVDs are also welcome. Materials are reviewed continually, so items are accepted any time throughout the year. You may bring up to four boxes of books to the Central Library Circulation Desk marked, "For Friends". Arrangements for pickup of large amounts of books can be made by calling the Friends at 360-778-7250.
As an additional service, the Friends accept used, still current magazines in good condition for recycling to the general public. These magazines are available at the Magazine Swap tables located at both the Central Library and Fairhaven Branch; please bring donations directly to the swap tables. Thank you for your donations!
The Memorial Gift Program honors the memories of individuals and provides additional materials and/or services for use by the library. Two options are available.
Your memorial donation will fund a book on a particular subject of your choosing or, if you prefer, library staff will select a book in an area needing materials. A bookplate on the inside cover of the book will memorialize the individual and mention the donor. Letters of acknowledgment and appreciation are sent by the library to the family and donor.
Your memorial donation will fund additional materials and/or services sought by the library. Letters of acknowledgment and appreciation are sent by the library to the family and donor.
To participate in the Memorial Gift program, please print out and complete this form, then mail it along with a check to:
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library
210 Central
Avenue - CS9710
Bellingham, WA 98227-9710
ATTN: President