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Summer Reading

Summer Reading Programs for 2023 are June 1 – Aug. 31

Summer reading programs for everyone — early learners, kids, teens and adults — begin June 1 throughout Bellingham.

This year Bellingham Public Library has Summer Reading activity cards for early learners, kids, teens and adults. Pick up your Summer Reading Activity Cards at any BPL branch, or print them at home by clicking on the appropriate buttons below. Then, fill out the activity cards and return them for prizes between June 1 – Aug. 31. All children ages birth – teen will receive a free book. We will celebrate early learners with a special prize, kids will receive a mystery coupon from a local business, and there will be prize drawings for teens and adults! Plus, all ages will receive a Summer Reading Superstar yard or window sign.

Thank you to our Summer Reading sponsors: the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library and community sponsor WECU.

Additional thanks to our Summer Reading mystery coupon Prize Partners: The Bagelry, Boomer’s Drive-In, Colophon Café, Great Harvest Bread Co, It’s the Sweet Things, Mallard Ice Cream, Menchie’s, Mindport Exhibits, Pizza Time, Pure Bliss, Robeks, Ruckus Room, Spark Museum and Yeager’s Toyland.

Summer Reading Activity Cards

Print your own Summer Reading Activity Cards at home. Choose from the following lists:

Kids Summer Reading Cards (ages 5 – 12)

Teen Summer Reading Cards (ages 12 – 19)

Adult Summer Reading Cards (ages 18+)

Library Parties in the Parks

Library Party at Cordata Park

June 28, 5 – 7 pm

Library Party at Cordata Park for children ages birth to teenagers. Young readers will receive a free book, have a chance to talk with library staff about books, take a StoryWalk® and participate in other reading-inspired activities.

Library Party at Fairhaven Park

July 13, 1 – 3 pm

Library Party at Fairhaven Park is for children ages birth to teenagers. Young readers will receive a free book, have a chance to talk with library staff about books, take a StoryWalk® and participate in other reading-inspired activities.

Children’s Craft Fairs

Children’s Craft Fair at Bellingham Central Library.

Bellingham Public Library will host two Children’s Craft Fairs this year:

July 28, 11 am – 1 pm, Lee Memorial Park (Library Lawn)

Aug. 11, 5 – 7 pm, inside Bellis Fair Mall

*Pre-registration required to be a seller. WAIT LIST for both craft fairs: Friday, July 28 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Lee Memorial Park (Library Lawn) and Friday, August 11 from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Bellis Fair Mall – registration is FULL.

All community members are invited to attend the Children’s Craft Fairs to support young entrepreneurs. All sales are cash only, and all items will be priced at $5 or less.

Adult Summer Reading Staff Picks

Looking for some recommendations to fill in all the boxes on your Summer Reading Activity Card? We’ve got some fantastic lists to get you started!