Bellingham Public Library News & Events for February
For updates to library programs and services, please see the library website, www.bellinghamlibrary.org. Click on the red alert banner on the top of the page for details.
Additional details about library programs are available on the library calendar at https://bit.ly/3xMECCt
February Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The library is closed on Monday, February 19th for the Presidents’ Day Holiday.
Highlighted Programs
Virtual Author Talks
The library will now host up to three virtual author talks each month! Register to attend the live talk, but if you miss it, you can still view the talk in the archive on our website. Go to: https://libraryc.org/bellinghamma to see the list of upcoming and archived talks, and to register to attend. The February author events are:
• Thursday, February 8th at 8 p.m.: Spice, Spirit, and Swoon – A Guaranteed Happily Ever After with rom-com author Tessa Bailey
• Tuesday, February 20th at 4 p.m.: Exploring Identity, Love, and Being Black in America in Fiction Writing, with award winning author Jason Mott
• Wednesday, February 28th at 2 p.m.: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity, an author talk with Kim Scott
Fancy Nancy Dance-y Party
Friday, February 9th at 6 p.m.
Come celebrate Valentine’s Day with us Fancy Nancy Style – Music, dancing, crafts, and a fancy fashion show to end the night. For families. Please register!
Getting Started with Genealogy
Saturday, February 10th at 10 a.m.
The Bellingham Library and the Bellingham Historical Commission are teaming up to host this two-hour workshop on genealogy resources that are available to help you begin researching your family history. Speakers from the Historical Commission, Library Staff, and others will share information about doing online research, documenting what you know, and documenting stories for posterity. More information is available on the library calendar. Please register.
Parenting in the 21st Century – Challenges at Home & School
Monday, February 12th at 6 p.m.
Join us for the first in a three part series facilitated by Bellingham resident Michelle Gaudet, M Ed, LABA of Purposeful Connections, LLC is presenting a series of workshops on topics of concern to parents and families in the 21st century. Make 2024 the year that you learn more about parenting challenges and resources available to help you navigate them! Rachel Barillari, Rita Morris and Michelle Gaudet are excited to share information on how to begin actively (and practically) addressing the challenges we are witnessing in our schools today and offer heart-forward solutions to support our young people. More information is available on the library calendar. Please register.
Bellingham Art & Photography Show
Saturday, February 17th from 6-8 p.m.
The library will be hosting our second Art & Photography Show. Our first was during the 300th Anniversary and we had hoped to start it as an annual program at that time. Well, we are ready to resume the tradition! Details are available on the library website on how to submit your art and photography to the show. Individuals can enter up to 3 submissions. Each submission has a $5 entry fee and a form to complete to enter. The 2/17 Show will announce the winners in each category, as well as Best in Show and People’s Choice Award. There will be music from acoustic artist Ric Allendorf and refreshments from the Friends of the Library.
Friends of the Library Mini-Book Sale
The Friends of the Library will host a Mini-Book Sale during school vacation week. Check the library website for details on dates and times!
Coming in April! Save the Date!
The Second Annual Bellingham Business Expo
April 6th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
The library is continuing its partnership with the Bellingham Business Association to sponsor a Business Expo where local residents can come to the library to meet representatives of local businesses to learn more about their products and services in a non-sales environment. Details, including links for vendor applications, are available at: https://www.bellinghamma.org/library/pages/bellingham-business-expo
After School Programs
Registration is mandatory for children in grades 4-6 to attend the ASK program.
• ASK Program hours 2:30-4:45 p.m.
• The Teen Room is open for grades 7-12 from 2-4:45 p.m.
• Check the library website for details on the programs. https://bit.ly/3QzITpI
Ongoing Children’s Programs
First Saturday Fun – Saturday, February 3rd at 11 a.m. Make a Groundhog Day craft
Ring a Ding – Mondays & Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. Drop in! No sessions February 1st and school vacation week.
Read to Freedom the Reading Dog – Mondays from 6-7 p.m.. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot!
Sensory Story Time – Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. Please register for each session. No session school vacation week.
Adult/Child Book Club –For kids in grades 4-6 or 6-9 and the adult in their life who loves to read. Meets monthly. If you are interested in joining those in Grades 4-6 should contact Amanda Maclure, amaclure@cwmars,org , grades 6-9 contact Diane Nelson, [email protected] . Check the library calendar for details on the February meeting dates and times.
Adult Programs
Book Discussion Group – Generally meets the 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.. Attend in person or on Zoom. Contact Cecily Christensen, [email protected] more information.
Our upcoming titles are:
February: The Night Ship by Jess Kidd
March: The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
April: My Friend Anne Frank by Hannah Pick-Goslar
Library Board of Trustees Meeting – Thursday, February 8th at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room.
Writing Group for Adults – Tuesday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m.
Writers, readers, listeners – come join us! Local area writers Amy Bartelloni and Marjorie Turner Hollman welcome the public to an evening of reading and listening. Hear what local writers are working on, and share what you are working on. Works of fiction or non-fiction, all are welcome. Reading limit is 9 minutes per reader, with a brief opportunity for positive, personal comments only. To participate contact Marjorie Turner Hollman at [email protected].
Friends of the Library Monthly Meeting – Tuesday, January 13th at 7 p.m.
Email [email protected] for the Zoom link
Virtual Ask-A-Lawyer Program with Attorney Brian T. Salisbury
Monday, February 26th starting at 5 p.m.
Local attorney Brian T. Salisbury of the law firm Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, PC will meet with you individually through Zoom to discuss any legal questions you may have. Appointments are 20 minutes long and are free. Appointments are between 5 and 7:30 pm. Register for an appointment and you will receive the Zoom link close to the appointment date. You will be asked to choose an appointment time when you register. Note: Your registration with your email address will go to Attorney Salisbury so he can send you the Zoom link. Please note: The Bellingham Library Ask- A-Lawyer Program is a limited pro bono legal service provided by Attorney Brian T. Salisbury and is strictly limited to 20-minute consultations regarding legal questions that you may have. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Attorney Salisbury will not provide legal representation in any legal matter discussed.
Yoga for the Seasons
Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m.. Check the library calendar for details and to register.
Bellingham Skein Artists – Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, or any of the other fiber arts? Join us on Wednesdays! All skill levels are welcome, including beginners. Please bring your own materials. No registration required.
Drop in Sewing/Craft Night
Alternating Thursdays from 5:15 to 7:45 p.m., check the library calendar for dates
Join members of your community for a night of sewing, quilting, knitting, or any other creative project you are working on. This is an independent setting for you to work on your current project. Please bring your own supplies- supplies are not available. Please bring a project to work on independently. No classroom instruction. Adults
