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“Been all over the US and most of the world and there whatcom library system is one of the best.” in 3 reviews
“Free DVD rentals, free public Internet, free CDs, and all the free books you could want to check out!” in 2 reviews
“Whether in house, through inter-library loan, or even purchasing it for you, I couldn't be happier with the access.” in 2 reviews
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- Feb 5, 2018
This library doesn't seem to have changed since I was a wee one looking through children's books, a teenager coming to take a look at free magazines available, and even as an adult doing research for a class.
The daily story times are engaging and fun, consistently packed and with staff that are full of energy, smiles and at the ready to clap and cheer for everyone!
A great selection of books, especially for children and youth, taking up two floors!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 4487581713Apr 19, 2018
I was amazed how easy it wad to use the Bellingham public library! It's easy to search books online and put hold on books if needed. Their self-checkout system is very simple to use.
While the building (the downtown location) is old, the books are very well organized and kept clean. My only "complaint" is their hours on the weekend. They are only open from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday. Otherwise, "I Love My Library"!Helpful 4Thanks 0Love this 4Oh no 0 - Carla C.Brooklyn, NY471328Dec 18, 2021
This is a great library who will get you any book you want. Whether in house, through inter-library loan, or even purchasing it for you, I couldn't be happier with the access. They did a heck of a job through the pandemic. Great friendly staff!! And now, it's been beautifully renovated. The hours are shorter now, which is a bummer if you work 8 to 5, but you can always order your books online and pick them up.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Hunter H.Bellingham, WA9122244Aug 10, 2018
This library is ok if you like to see a bunch of bums hanging out all outside. Not a friendly area whatsoever, and I sure as heck would never take my future kids here. There's trash everywhere, carts full of garbage, and a woman in her mid 20's who was swearing over a phone conversation.
For the inside of the library it's ok. They do have a good selection of books.
Otherwise it's definitely a mixed bag. Doesn't do well at approaching the public eye. Today was free book day which was a bonus, ironic if anything.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Tony M.Bellingham, WA46144966Nov 28, 2017
My children and I have enjoyed this library for about the last 16 years. When they were very young they loved the story times and learning to use the computers and searching out another book to read as they are both Avid readers.
Jane and Judy in the former reference desk were amazing at finding me interlibrary loan books and audio CD's that were kind of hard to find.
But now interlibrary loan request can be done online through the biblio website.
With a library card you have access to the other materials on the website such as the Automotive Technical information which can be very helpful and just as good as the hardcover manuals that we used to use.
Of course there's the free DVD rentals, the free audiobook downloads, the huge selection of magazines to borrow, one of my favorites was the Pimsleur Spanish lessons on CD. As I found the Pimsleur audio to be the best method for me for learning a language.
The Bellingham Public Library main branch is a top-notch establishment with very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly staff.Helpful 5Thanks 0Love this 4Oh no 0 - May 29, 2018
I love this library! It's very clean, the staff is friendly, and the selection of books and other items is huge!
The lower part of the library contains a children's area, restrooms, small historic displays, and a free book section. Now I know where my donated books might be going to.
It's very easy to search for, hold, and request items either online on in the library itself. I LOVE that I can check items out or renew in the library on my own. I've not once had to wait in line to check out.
Also, I'm amazed at how quickly returned items are updated to your account. The returns worker is very quick and efficient.
There are plenty of tables, chairs, and computers available for use within the building.
There's also a very nice green area behind the library with benches. Perfect location for enjoying a book.
I hate that one must pay to park at the library if it's before 5 PM on a weekend. I understand they can't weed out people who would take advantage of library parking only, but come on...luckily, if you're only trying to return items, there are some designated "drop off" parking spaces in front of the building. 15 minutes to return items. Nice as long as people don't take advantage and overstay their welcome.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Heydi S.Olympia, WA22170131Sep 1, 2018
Stopped in today for the first time to get a reciprocal library card. This is a truly lovely library with a completely different floor for the children and an incredible Storytime/playroom. They have a table covered with paper so kids can just go crazy drawing and so many little spaces for little bits to make their own. They also have a child-sized coat rack. So, cute!! The children's area was well staffed and very clean.
All the staff were wonderful. Very respectful to everyone they were speaking to.
Their online resources were presented on business cards which were amazing! Something small enough to not be cumbersome but big enough to explain the what, why and how.
The library sported an entire community events wall which was amazing and something I wish was possible at all libraries. There were many free books and magazines.
Parking looked like it was pretty tricky. We were there early but I can see how it could get crazy.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Karen H.Bellingham, WA393919Apr 30, 2017
What a great way to spend a lazy, Sunday afternoon. Find a book, a corner and read till the nice lady on the PA system says that you only have 15 minutes left to check out.
Always a helping hand, friendly service, and the world at your fingertips with the many digital catalog computers on hand. Not finding it in the WCLS database? No worries. Request any book your heart may desire to read, and they will bend over backwards to either purchase the book for you, or find it in another library system. Want a book that may be at a different library within Whatcom county? Again, no worries. Just place the book on hold and they will call you when your requested book is in. Just don't forget to pick up the book within a week, or they'll charge you a "holding" fee. But, don't you worry, having a library fine will not keep you from checking out books (as long as it doesn't get too out of control ).
They also offer free wifi, outlets to plug in your devices, and computers to which you can peruse the internet for a scheduled amount of time, a clean bathroom, and sometimes, if you get lucky enough, a nice chat with some of the locals.
With this many options at your local library, why wouldn't you want to take advantage of a great resource? Read a book.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - William T.Bellingham, WA022Jan 11, 2020
the staff is great except the security dude all he does is harassing people to the point of him kicking them out. There are no posts that say we can't eat. The library is amazing but gets boring...the place needs more technology and longer time on the computers.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Robert C.Sedro-Woolley, WA139794Mar 2, 2017
Been all over the US and most of the world and there whatcom library system is one of the best. I think the Bellingham branch is very clean and the staff very pleasant to speak to.
Highly suggest you stop in to get a library card.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0