Bellingham Public Library News & Events for February
Bellingham High School
For updates to library programs and services, please see www.bellinghamlibrary.org.
Winter Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday & Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed February 20th for Presidents’ Day
Welcome Miss Laura!
The Library Board of Trustees, Library Director and Staff are pleased to introduce to the Bellingham Community our new Youth Services Librarian, Laura Brillant-Giangrande. Laura was the Children’s Librarian at the Plainville Public Library for the past 6 years. She has also taught preschool at various locations. She has an AS in Early Childhood Education from Quincy College, and a BA in History and Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University. She is a DESE licensed teacher and an ECE certified preschool teacher.
The library will be hosting a “Meet Miss Laura” event on Saturday, February 4th from 10-11 a.m. in the Children’s Room at the library. Stop by and introduce yourself!
Special Programs
Virtual 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group – February Topics:
• Create a Marketing Plan & Marketing Brief, Wednesday, February 1st, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am or Wednesday, February 8th from 6-8 p.m.
• Applications, Cover Letters & Negotiation – Wednesday, February 15th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or Wednesday, February 22nd from 6-8 p.m.
This program will continue through June with two new topics each month.
The Massachusetts Library Collaborative 50+ Job Seekers Group meets on the above days/times, via Zoom. If you are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career director, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for your “Encore Career”, this networking group program is perfect for you! Remember, 85% of jobs are found through networking!
Join us in a professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment conducive to developing new relationships and developing skills and strategies to help in your career transition.
Meetings are facilitated by Deborah Hope, MBA, PCIC, an experienced executive career coach. Deborah is a former Fortune 500 executive, investment banker and entrepreneur. She transitioned to executive coaching over 12 years ago.
To register for each workshop, go to the library calendar, select the workshop date and click on the link to register directly via Zoom. This group is sponsored by more than 60 Massachusetts public libraries.
Open for Business - Finding the Right Partners for Your New or Growing Business
Monday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m.
The Bellingham Library has been awarded a grant to assist Bellingham area businesses with meeting the challenges of the 21st century by offering resources, courses, and business counseling from experts on the topics the business community identifies as important to their success.
Join our panel of experts! We will have an accountant/tax professional, business attorney, insurance agent and banker to discuss why businesses of all sizes need these professionals and what these professionals can do to help your business.
Snow date February 27th.
This program is made possible by a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services grant through the Library Services & Technology Act. The grant is administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Bellingham Skein Artists Resume Meeting at the Library!
This group of knitters, crocheters and other skein artists met at the library before the pandemic. They will resume meeting in 2023 in the Teen Room of the library on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and all levels, beginners included, are welcome to join. Don’t have knitting or crochet needles? Did you know the library has a set in our library of things? You can borrow them to try before investing in your own!
Yoga – The library is hosting Tuesday morning and Thursday evening yoga classes. Check the library calendar for details and to register. Space is limited so registration is required.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Saturday, February 4th from 9 am to 2 p.m. Register at redcrossblood.org
Friends of the Library Book Sale - Wednesday, February 22nd through Saturday, February 25th
Wednesdays sale is from 4-7 p.m. and for Members of the Friends of the Library Only. Join at the door for only $10! Thursday & Friday 1-6 p.m., Saturday 9-2 p.m.
Updated Ongoing Children’s Program Schedule
Next month Miss Laura’s programs will be integrated into the library schedule. In the meantime, the library will offer the following programs for children up to age 12.
Sensory Story Time with Miss Melissa – Mondays & Wednesdays at 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Similar to a traditional story time, with movement breaks and supports built in. For children ages 2-5 of all abilities. The program will be structured through 11:15, but remain open until 11:45 for those needing extra time or wishing for open play time. Registration is limited, so register early!
Magic: The Gathering Club – Mondays at 2:30 p.m.
For grades 4-8 each Monday after school from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Discover the original collectible card game in this free program. Please sign up for each meeting you plan on attending!
Ring a Ding – Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.
For ages 0-5. Songs, a story, music, instruments, and beach balls = a lot of noisy fun! Join us! No registration required. PLEASE NOTE: The Ring a Ding schedule will change in March! There is no Ring a Ding during school vacation week.
Baby Time – Fridays at 11:15 a.m.
For children under 2, older siblings welcome. Songs, stories, and play/discussion time for you and your baby/toddler. Drop in! There is no program during school vacation week.
After School Programs
Our After School Programs are ongoing! We have two programs for kids in grades 4 and up. Both programs are Monday through Friday. Even though the library closes at 3 p.m. on Fridays, the Community Room will be open on Fridays after school for Fun Fridays!! Miss Amanda and Miss Diane will stay until 5 p.m. at the latest.
• After School Kids (ASK) – for grades 4-6. When school is in session, ASK meets Monday-Thursday from 2:30-4:45 p.m. Registration is required for this program, so pick up a registration form during library hours or after school. Questions? Contact Diane Nelson, [email protected]. Parents/caregivers of all registrants are signed up for our Constant Contact Newsletter.
• Teen Room Activities – for grades 7-12. When school is in session, Teen Room Activities are available Monday-Thursday from 2 -4:45 p.m. There is no registration needed to attend this program. Questions?
Contact Amanda Maclure,
Other Adult Programs
Additional details of these programs are available on the library calendar (https://bit.ly/3xMECCt)
• Book Club generally meets on the first Monday of the month. Email Reference Librarian Cecily Christensen at [email protected] for details.
• Friends of the Library generally meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Email [email protected] for details.
• The Library Board of Trustees generally meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Email [email protected] for details.
• Adult Writing Group will now meet at the Bellingham Historical Museum on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Email [email protected] for details.
