Friends of the Bellingham Public Library

FOBPL LogoAbout the Friends

The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library (FOBPL) is an all-volunteer nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is supporting and advocating for the library by:

  • Encouraging community support of the library;
  • Raising money for library needs, as designated by the staff and board;
  • Sponsoring educational and enrichment programs for all ages;
  • Encouraging literacy by making available free reading material at the library and offering reasonably priced books through regular sales.

Book Sales

Attend the Friends used book sales and support your local library! The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library hold several used book sales each year, with thousands of good quality used books and other items, most priced $1 or less. Items restocked continuously during each  sale. All proceeds benefit the Bellingham Public Library!

2019 Sales

January 23-26, 2019
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. January 23, 24, 25 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. January 26 in the Central Library Lecture Room

May 22-25, 2019
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 22, 23, 24 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 25 in the Central Library Lecture Room

September 25-28, 2019
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. September 25, 26, 27 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. September 28 in the Central Library Lecture Room

2020 Sales

January 22-25, 2020
May 27-30, 2020
September 23-26, 2020

Volunteer Opportunities

The Friends are actively recruiting volunteers! Jobs can be as simple as helping 2-3 hours at a book sale or more specialized ongoing tasks to prepare for those sales. If you are interested in knowing more about these opportunities, please contact the Friends at friendslibrary3@gmail.com

Nearly New and Special Books

Other great deals on books for purchase are found in the Nearly New Books area on the main floor of the Central Library near the building entrance. Special books of local, historical or aesthetic interest also are offered for sale in display cases at the Central Library. Proceeds from these book sales all benefit the Friends, which in turn benefits the library.

Membership

Please consider joining us to help support the Bellingham Public Library. Membership has its benefits!

Senior ($5/year)

Good Friend ($10/year) member benefit: $1 coupon to use at a book sale.

Family Friend ($20/year for up to two adults and dependent children) member benefit: $2 coupon to use at a book sale.

Devoted Friend ($50/year) member benefit: $3 coupon to use at a book sale, one “I love my library” bumper sticker and one free book bag.

Best Friend ($100/year and up) member benefit: $4 coupon to use at a book sale, one “I love my library” bumper sticker, one free book bag, and public acknowledgement of your membership.

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.

Board Meetings

Officers meet regularly on the 3rd Wednesday of every other month (except during the summer) at the Central Library. Please call (360) 778-7250 or email friendslibrary3@gmail.com for information and updates.

Annual Meetings

The Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Central Library.

Donations

Books & Other Materials

Please review the guidelines for donations of books and other materials. Items are accepted any time throughout the year. You may bring up to two boxes of books to the Central Library Checkout Desk marked, “For Friends”.

Magazine Swap 

The Friends accept used, still current magazines in good condition for free “recycling” to the general public. Please leave magazine donations at the swap tables, located at the Central Library and Fairhaven Branch.

Memorial Gifts

Memorial Gifts honor the memories of individuals and provide additional materials and/or services to the library. Two options are available:

Book Memorials

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.

Cash Memorial

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

Donations via Amazon Purchases

Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Why not make that the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library? To do that, shop on AmazonSmile and choose the Friends there; AmazonSmile has the exact same products, prices and features as Amazon.

Friends Newsletter

The Friends newsletter is published annually:

January 2019
January 2018
January 2017
January 2016
January 2015