This library doesn't seem to have changed since I was a wee one looking through children's books, a…read moreteenager 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!

I was amazed how easy it wad to use the Bellingham public library! It's easy to search books online…read moreand 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"!

Very quiet, orderly, easy to negotiate. The staff are very helpful. The parking lot is great in…read moreFairhaven, where spots are hard to come by.

The Bellingham Library System is great…read more This branch (Fairhaven) is a bit small (but a cute building) and is on a hill. Unless you are local to it, I suggest the Downtown (Central) branch.

Very helpful staff. Friendly. I needed copies from the internet. I will be coming back for more…read morehelp.

Most of life I have been a reader but not so much the past few years. I always have at least one…read morestack of books that I want/intend to read but they haven't been moving much, the stack just gathers dust sadly. Recently a friend told me about the library's Libby app that is FREE where I can borrow audible books. I was excited about the prospect of "reading" in this new (for me) way. I tried to get things set up on my phone but was having some issues so I stopped in the the Ferndale Library. The staff there is over the top amazing. I wish I had gotten the name of the lady who helped me that day. Not only did she get me all set up on the Libby app, she anticipated my future questions and needs and I learned a lot! It took all of five minutes! Not only is the staff here awesome, Ferndale Library has got a great parking lot, is very inviting and there are so many new things to discover for example lots of other online resources! I'm the past few weeks I have "read" more books than I have in the past few years on the Libby app! So handy while walking dogs or even driving or doing chores! If you haven't been to the library in awhile, you might want to stop in and see what's new!!!

First time visit to this University on Sunday, 6/22/25. Arrived at 11:00 AM. There were a few…read moreBasketball Camps going on at the Wade King Rec Center. We got to tour the fitness center, gymnasium and pool area. Then took a leisurely walk around the campus to see the different buildings - Fine Arts building, the Library, Residence Halls, Science Building, and the Viking Union. All were closed since it was a Sunday, but still enjoyed walking around to see the layout and creative structures and different building locations. The natural environment with views of the Cascades and hills full of trees across the ocean was very calming and peaceful.

CAUTION: Don't come here…read more This university changed a lot, seemingly for the worse. If something goes wrong, watch out for the caring front some professors put up. I fell for it and it costed me. I truly believed that when another student told my professor that I felt suicidal, that I would be helped. Instead my tuition was wasted. I was told to enroll in courses that had no site placement. Then when I asked my professor about the shared concern from my classmate regarding how I felt suicidal, she gaslighted me. She forgot that my classmate said I felt suicidal. Mind you, my classmate shared this information without my permission. We had a three hour meeting after class that I can't believe she forgot... I thought I'd be supported but instead I was ignored for the rest of the year due to the courses that did not exist. I was then suddenly removed from my program because I was told I was not ready for my final quarter. I would have been ready if I actually had learned what the missing courses failed to provide due to not existing at all. All of my classmates noticed how I was treated, but nothing was ever done to help me, because then the school year ended and everyone graduated. The program I was in had high suicide and mental health stats, which I learned after I graduated. In hindsight, the pressures of how challenging the program is was a huge source of stress, which was basically mocked at the front door, during orientation. Do not expect this university to actually care about you as a person. You only seem to matter if you can contribute financially, but otherwise, you're completely on your own. Other things happened too. I'm not sure why there weren't better actions in place. After my sudden program removal, I was actually preyed on by a student who took advantage of me and raped me. And if that wasn't enough insult to injury, I never used my college degree for anything because my credentials were incomplete and all my financial aid ran out, even though I had a full ride, which was all wasted and never reimbursed, when I wasn't provided courses. This was all extremely painful for me to go through and i would argue that I never deserved what happened to me. I hope that this isn't the standard for how this university treats students who feel suicidal. Before my classmate shared anything about suicide, no professors could tell. So I felt exposed and then discarded. This was so brutal and unexpected at the end of college. My life has not been the same since. There are better colleges that won't make you go through what I went through. WWU is a high risk and a gamble in my honest opinion. You don't get a nice college name in the end. Anywhere else is better. I hope this helps.

Holy crud! This place is amazing! The only drawback is that it's a little hard to navigate to…read morespecific sections, but the staff is very helpful. I was able to find every book I was looking for!

I love Henderson Books! A classic Bellingham favorite. They have a good system of organization…read morehere. While they have thousands of books here, I like that they are specific with their classification of their books. They are always a pleasure to frequent, and I think their prices are fair. They also sell antiques!

Quaint little temporary library, previously the "adult day center" of the illustrious Sudden Valley…read moreenclave. You may check yourself out a meaty paperback or smooth jazz CD & sit in the little memorial garden, it's just steps from the door. This can be a haven for toddlers at certain hours, as it has many buckets of kid activities plus a brightly colored carpeted zone...so bring your antibacterial wipes and patience. Nice option if you decide you want a book or movie held from the system and don't want to leave your little valley. Occasionally the staff look at me sideways, unsure if it's my dapper shoes or yoga pants. Check it out. Hee.

From the owner: Public Library offering access to reading materials and other resources both online and in person.read more

We love to see a bookstore thriving!! This is so much more than just a bookstore (and adjoining…read morepaper/confectionery/novelty shop). Its a community hub! I recently moved to Bellingham and Village Books (and paper dreams) actually really swayed me to move here. Its a book palace, 3 stories of well organized selection. The front facing books are well chosen, and the used books are interspersed with the new books. There are quite a few staff picks sections, all of which are super interesting and worth looking over. Three days before Christmas 2025 I was there trying to pick out a horror book for a friend of mine. Horror is not my genre (more of a fantasy and literature gal myself), so I for sure needed guidance. The shop lady spent so much time reviewing the whole horror section with me . When we couldn't find the main book we decided on me buying, she spent the time looking everywhere for it. She enlisted the help of two additional staff members. When she was needed for another task, she made sure one of the other shop ladies had me covered. I ended up ordering the book, which came in a few days and they texted me when it arrived. Easy peasy! I will never forget that experince, especially as the store was jam packed with x-mas shoppers. Village books in fairhaven is the spot! My only note is that their bookclubs could be better. The bookclubs are during the day and don't have different genre selections (they are mostly nonfiction). There is a silent reading bookclub that I might try. They could be cultivating different types of communities (ie book clubs geared towards romantasy, sci-fi, literature, etc.), but maybe that will come with time.

I really wanted to love the store. I'm long time book lover and one who worked in the book…read moreindustry for over 20 years. This store seemingly has it all; great selection of books, both knew and used, lots of old wood, and a staff that seems knowledgeable if a little bit unhappy. The last part can explain why the vibe is just off. It just doesn't feel comfortable nor welcoming, and if I had to put my finger on the cause, I would say it is likely due to management. I witnessed firsthand how the store manager ignored customers in line waiting to pay because he was on the phone. You never ignore the customers who are right in front of you. I wish the store all the best, but I'm gonna take my book shopping business elsewhere.

This review is for the express library inside the same building. I didn't know this place existed…read moreuntil another librarian told me. It's just for holds and pick ups and returns only. But it is so convenient. I can just stop by on my way home from work and pick up my books on hold. It's great for people like me with social anxiety who sometimes don't want to run into people lol. You just go up to the scanner by the door and scan your library card to unlock the door. Inside has shelves in alphabetical order by your last name for books on hold. Then you just use the self check out counter to check out your book. There is a phone in case you need help. Restrooms inside for your convenience. They are open 7 days a week 6am to 11 pm.

From the owner: Whatcom County Library System administrative offices and Library Express where patrons can pick up…read moreholds.