NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pam Kiesner, Library Director
Bellingham Public Library
360-676-7794
pkiesner@cob.org

Linda Lambert, Library Director
Whatcom Community College
360-647-3268
llambert@whatcom.ctc.edu

Libraries form partnership to better serve community

The Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom Community College Library are making plans to better serve the library needs of the community. Community members, especially those on the north side of Bellingham, will be able to drop off returned public library materials at book drops on the college campus.

In addition, members of the public will be able to designate the Whatcom Community College as a place where they can pick up the holds they have placed on public library materials. Holds will be available for pickup during the hours the campus library is open.

Bellingham Public Library Director Pam Kiesner said, "This step is consistent with the Library Board's interest in planning for cost-effective and convenient library services city wide while maintaining its administrative hub and a strong presence downtown."

The drive up book drop is conveniently located in the campus parking lot and is available 24 hours a day. When the campus library is open, materials may also be dropped off inside the building, either in the entry or inside the library.

The goals of this partnership are threefold: to provide more convenient access to public library materials for community members on the north side; to develop an ongoing joint partnership between the academic and public libraries in the community; and, to provide a joint service that will support community energy savings. College Library Director Linda Lambert said, "We are enthused about this new partnership which invites the community into their community college library."

The Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom Community College library plan to implement these services by August 1st.

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