The Whatcom County Library System’s (WCLS) summer schedule is packed with community events for Blaine and Birch Bay. The library system is also highlighting two countywide programs that include a new jazz concert series called Whatcom Grooves and a tree-planting program.
Friends of Library groups will put on Whatcom Grooves, a three-show jazz concert series held in different venues. Friends of Blaine Library will host the final concert, The Jazz Explosion, on Saturday, August 19 at the Blaine Performing Arts Center. Led by Jerry Steinhilber, the large ensemble will feature multiple Pacific Northwest jazz musicians. For information on all three shows, visit the WCLS website.
Accompanying Whatcom Grooves, WCLS will host two junior groove sessions in August to teach elementary school kids about jazz music and let them create their own tunes. The Friday, August 18 class will be at the Blaine Library. Registration is not required.
The WCLS Summer Reading program will turn books back into trees by partnering with Whatcom County Library Foundation, the Whatcom Million Trees Project and WECU.
From now until August 31, readers of all ages can stop by any WCLS branch and pick up a summer reading card that lists activities to earn “leaves.” For every 25 leaves the community earns, WCLS and its partners promise to plant a tree.
The program kicked off on June 1 with a goal of 200 trees. As of July 12, the county has earned 4,043 leaves, which equals 162 trees, according to the Summer Reading website.
Blaine summer library events
The Blaine Public Library, at 610 3rd Street, opens at 10 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays. The library closes at 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 6 p.m. Fridays and 5 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 360/305-3637.
Dog Behavior Improvement Workshop (Part 2): Saturday, July 22, 2-4 p.m. A hands-on workshop led by dog behaviorist Lawrence Pang that practices the techniques from the first session earlier in July.
Storytime for ages 2-6: Wednesday, July 26, 10:30-11 a.m.
Make It: Bird Feeders: Thursday, July 27, 1 p.m. Materials provided. For grades K-5.
Nobody Likes Frogs Storytime with Author Barbara Davis-Pyles: Thursday, August 3, 1 p.m.
Caring for Seniors (Part 1): Saturday, August 12, 2 p.m. A two-part seminar for seniors and their support networks about navigating aging.
Dog Day Afternoons: Tuesday, August 15 and August 22, 1 p.m. Partnership with the Whatcom Humane Society to bring readers and dogs together. Registration required.
Junior Groove: Jazz for Kids: Friday, August 18, 4 p.m. Dive into the history of jazz and create music at this interactive seminar led by Bellingham drummer Jerry Steinhilber.
Caring for Seniors (Part 2): Saturday, August 19, 2 p.m.
Friends of the Library Summer Jazz Series, “The Jazz Explosion": Saturday, August 19, 7 p.m. at Blaine Performing Arts Center.
Recurring events
Moving Together: Tuesdays, 1 p.m. All ages walking group.
Tech Help Hour: Tuesdays, 5 p.m. and Thursdays, 1 p.m. Tech help by appointment or drop in.
What We’re Enjoying: First Mondays of the month, 4 p.m. Discussion group that shares books, movies, games and podcast recommendations.
Got Game? Board Game Club: Second Mondays of the month, 6 p.m. Focuses on non-competitive, entry-level games.
Friends of the Blaine Library: Third Wednesdays of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Books and Bites Book Club: Third Fridays of the month, 1 p.m. “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” (July 21) and “Sea of Tranquility” (August 18).
Birch Bay summer library events
The Birch Bay Library Bookmobile Stop, located at 7948 Birch Bay Drive, is open 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays. The future Birch Bay Vogt Library Express, at the same address, will host WCLS’ summer events.
Summer book sale and muffin fundraiser at Birch Bay Sand Sculpture Competition: Saturday, July 29, breakfast 7-9:30 a.m. and book sale from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
End of summer book sale and breakfast fundraiser: Saturday, August 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and breakfast 9:30-11 a.m.
Paint Night with Doug Parent: $50, proceeds go toward library funding, Saturday, August 12, 5-7 p.m.
Recurring events
Friends of Birch Bay Library: Second Monday of the month, 6:30-8 p.m.
Book sale and meet-and-greet: Wednesdays, through August 30, 3-6 p.m.
This article was updated to correct that WECU is a partner with the WCLS Summer Reading program. We regret the error.
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