If you haven’t already heard the news, Bellingham Public library recently announced on their website that they will be opening a new branch at Bellis Fair Mall:
Bellingham Public Library will open a new location inside Bellis Fair Mall in spring 2023. Although the specific opening date is not yet determined, work is now underway to convert the Mall’s suite 616 into the Library’s Bellis Fair Branch. When complete, the branch will offer space for browsing print collections, including fiction, nonfiction, teen and children’s books, as well as music, movies, holds pick-up, access to computers, free wifi, and room for interactive children’s activities.
“Operation of this branch is a two-year pilot project that will be Bellingham Public Library’s first location on the north side of the city,” said Library Director, Rebecca Judd. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with the Mall’s management team to make this a reality, and we appreciate the assistance of many City Departments.”
Bellingham Public Library has been offering free, weekly Storytimes at Bellis Fair for young children and their caregivers over the past year, which have consistently drawn a strong attendance.
“We have received a lot of feedback from the community about the need for Library services to expand as Bellingham’s population grows on the north side. I was pleased to work with City Council to provide funding for this project as part of the City’s budget for the 2023-2024 biennium,” said Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood.
Upon opening, Library hours at the new Bellis Fair Branch will be:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 2 – 6 pm
Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm
Sunday, 1 – 5 pmTwo returns bins for Library materials will also be located at the Bellis Fair Branch. An indoor returns bin will be accessible during the Mall’s regular hours. An outdoor returns bin will be accessible 24 hours/day.
Bellingham Public Library serves the residents of Bellingham and Whatcom County, circulating over 1.6 million items annually to almost 60,000 active cardholders. BPL is known throughout the state and nation for its high use among community members. In state-wide data, Bellingham Public Library consistently ranks among the highest circulation per capita and among the most-visited.
“Library use is highly valued in the Bellingham community. Increasing our Library facilities’ square feet per capita is an important focus of the Library Board of Trustees, as we strive for a high level of service. This pilot branch will bring us one step closer to the goals outlined in the Library’s Facilities Master Plan,” said BPL Board of Trustees Chair, Rick Osen.
A Bellingham Public Library card provides free access to the Library’s physical and online collections for anyone who lives, works, owns property or attends school in the City of Bellingham. Most materials have a loan period of three weeks, with no fines for late returns. For more information about Bellingham Public Library, see BellinghamPublicLibrary.org.
