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Community Conversations provide vital feedback for library strategic plan

People say they want to be connected, safe, valued, respected, and accepted by others, with opportunities to be engaged and ever-learning together. But they are concerned that our community could be more inclusive, safe, and sustainable, with resources and opportunities more equitable and prevalent for all. That’s a sample of the perspectives people shared during … Read more

Design underway, info sessions planned for library interior remodel

Design work is now underway for an interior remodel of the main floor of the Central Library, featuring updates that will improve public spaces and incorporate operational efficiencies. Public information sessions about the project are scheduled for: Saturday, October 26:  10 – 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 28:  6 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 8:  11 … Read more

Disregard email about children’s library accounts expiring

girl with school bus

Many parents received an email from us today (Saturday, August 24, 2019) stating that their child’s library account is expiring. Please disregard this notification. This was an auto-generated email regarding your child’s school-connected account, not their regular library account. School-connected accounts will be updated automatically when the school year begins. Our apologies for any confusion! … Read more

Local libraries advocate for readers’ rights after publishers decide to limit ebook access

UPDATE: After this column was published locally, the American Library Association initiated a public information campaign and petition. Visit www.ebooksforall.org for more information and to sign the petition. By Rebecca Judd, director, Bellingham Public Library and Christine Perkins, executive director, Whatcom County Library System Troubling limits imposed by publishers on public library purchases of electronic … Read more

Summer Reading 2019 – Fun & Easy

girl lying on grass and relaxing with book and music

Here comes summer! Summer reading at your library is a summer tradition, and it’s fun! Summer is a time to emphasize the fun side of reading. This is especially true for kids and teens, who get to read whatever they want. Personal choice is a great way to encourage excitement around reading. Reading every day … Read more

Libraries honor National Library Week with Melinda Gates serving as honorary chair

Bellingham Public Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries support strong communities, during National Library Week, April 7-13, 2019. Bellingham Public Library Director Rebecca Judd said she is particularly proud to celebrate National Library Week this year, with Washington resident and renowned philanthropist Melinda Gates serving as honorary chair. In her statement … Read more

Library hosts “Community Conversations” to help shape future vision

People participating in a group discussion

What do you care about? Libraries can help. The Bellingham Public Library is reaching out this spring to learn about people’s aspirations for their community, as part of planning for the library’s future. The library is hosting a series of Community Conversations, intending to gather public knowledge on a range of topics of interest to … Read more

Library hosts “Triple Nickles” presentation March 2

Bellingham Public Library hosts “Triple Nickles,” the story of the first all-black paratrooper unit, 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Central Library, as part of Whatcom READS 2019. (Facebook event for “Triple Nickles” presentation.) Whatcom READS 2019 features the book “The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America” by Timothy … Read more

Library honors African American History Month in February

Bellingham Public Library joins libraries and other organizations locally and across the country recognizing African American History Month in February. By highlighting this month, we pay tribute to the generations of people who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society and we celebrate the achievements of African American people throughout our country’s … Read more

Library highlighted in PBS television show

Bellingham Public Library staff and resources are featured in a recent episode of the PBS television show “We’ll Meet Again.” Season 2, Episode 3 of “We’ll Meet Again” shows the dramatic reunions of people who as children survived the 1964 great Alaskan earthquake. “This is the wonderful story of childhood friends who are reunited after … Read more