The Colophon Cafe in Fairhaven Village has been a Bellingham institution since 1985, and this summer it is doing what it has always done best: rewarding young readers. The beloved cafe is donating its famous giant cookies as prizes for children who complete their first activity card in the Bellingham Public Library's Summer Reading program. The effort is part of a broader local business prize partnership organized by the Friends of the Library.
The Colophon Cafe traces its roots back to its origins as a cafe within Village Books, the independent bookstore that anchors Fairhaven's historic commercial district. That connection to reading and the literary community runs deep. "The Colophon started off in 1985 as a cafe within Village Books, so we have always enjoyed supporting young readers," said David Killian, described as dishwasher and owner. "We continue to reward them with my favorite dessert, one of our giant cookies."
The Bellingham Public Library runs its Summer Reading program through August 31. Kids ages 5 through 18 who turn in their first completed Summer Reading activity card by that date will receive a free book from the Friends of the Library, a Summer Reading Superstar sign, and a mystery coupon donated by a local business. Some of those coupons will be for a free cookie from the Colophon. Activity cards are available at all Bellingham Public Library locations.
The program also extends beyond school-age children. The library has activity cards for early learners, families, and adults, making Summer Reading accessible to the entire community. The adult component allows grown-ups to log reading time alongside younger family members, and completion earns its own set of rewards from participating local businesses.
Summer Reading programs are supported by research showing that students who read regularly over the summer retain more of what they learned during the school year. The Bellingham School District, Western Washington University, and local literacy organizations have long pointed to summer reading as one of the most cost-effective tools for supporting educational equity in the region. Whatcom County's library system serves communities from Bellingham to Birch Bay, Ferndale, and beyond, giving families across the county access to the program.
The Friends of the Library coordinates the local business prize pool each year, working with cafes, shops, and other Bellingham area businesses to provide tangible incentives for kids who participate. The Colophon is one of several local establishments contributing coupons and prizes this summer. More details on all participating businesses and the full Summer Reading schedule are available at any BPL branch location or on the library's website.
Village Books, the literary anchor of the Fairhaven neighborhood, continues to operate next door to the Colophon Cafe at the corner of Harris and 11th in Fairhaven Village. The neighborhood itself draws visitors year-round for its Victorian-era architecture, independent shops, and walkable waterfront access. For families making a trip to pick up Summer Reading cards or return completed ones, the Fairhaven library branch is a short walk from the cafe.
To get started, pick up a Summer Reading activity card at any Bellingham Public Library location before August 31. Complete the card, turn it in, and watch for a mystery coupon in the prize envelope. Some of those envelopes, as Bellingham kids will discover, contain a ticket to one of the Colophon's legendary giant cookies.
