You can reserve items and manage your account through our online catalog.
You may check out up to 50 items on your library card, with restrictions on some items, as noted in the table below. Library materials have a loan period of three weeks, two weeks or one week; see the summary below. We also allow extended vacation loans; please ask at the Checkout Desk.
You can reserve items and manage your account through our online catalog.
Materials may be renewed twice. There are no renewals for items which have holds. You may renew items online, with LARK telephone messaging at 360-312-9037 (have your card # handy), or by contacting us by phone.
The Library reserves the right to limit the number of items checked out.
Materials may be returned to to any Bellingham Public Library location or Connection, any branch of the Whatcom County Library System, or a Community Drop Box.
Overdue Materials
There is a two-day grace period on all items. After a two-day grace period, all adult library materials are charged an overdue fine of 25¢ per day until the maximum fine is reached. All children's materials are charged an overdue fine of 10¢ per day. Uncollected fines or fees of $50 or more are referred to Unique Management, a national collection agency that works with libraries to resolve outstanding balances.
Loan Periods
| ITEM | LOAN | RENEWAL | LIMIT | MAX FINE (per item) |
| Books | 3 weeks* | yes | -- | $20 |
| Paperbacks | 3 weeks* | yes | -- | $10 |
| Magazines | 3 weeks* | yes | 10 | $10 |
| CDs | 3 weeks* | yes | 20 | $20 |
| Playaways | 3 weeks | yes | 2 | $20 |
| Books on Tape/CD | 3 weeks* | yes | 10 | $20 |
| New Books | 3 weeks* | yes | 10 | $20 |
| DVDs | 2 weeks† | yes | 10 | $20 |
| Children's CD ROMs | 3 weeks | yes | 3 | $20 |
| Children's DVDs | 2 weeks | yes | 5 | $20 |
| Children's videos & CDs | 3 weeks | yes | 5 | $6 |
| Book Club Kits | 38 days** | no | 3 | $20 |
There is a 50¢ charge to adults for holds not picked up.
You may not renew an item if it is requested by someone else.
* 2 week loan period for items with multiple hold requests.
† 1 week loan period for items with hold requests
** from scheduled pick-up day; no grace period on Book Club Kits
Managing your Account (for yourself or your family)
Want an easy way to keep track of what’s due, overdue or ready for pickup? Check out Library Elf.
How to Make Payments
Payments for library fines and fees may be made in the following ways:
In Person with cash, check, debit or credit card*
Central Library
210 Central Avenue, Bellingham
Monday - Tuesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
By Phone with debit or credit card*
(360) 778-7323 x2
Monday - Tuesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
By Mail with check
Bellingham Public Library
CS-9710
Bellingham, WA 98227-9710
*Visa or Mastercard only