The Bellingham Public Library is marking Hispanic Heritage Month with special staff recommendations, curated book lists, and in-branch displays highlighting Latino culture and history. The celebration runs from September 15 through October 15, a federally recognized period honoring the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States.
What the Library Is Offering This Month
Library staff have assembled reading lists across multiple genres and age groups, spotlighting works by and about Hispanic and Latino authors, artists, and communities. Residents can browse the themed displays at any of Bellingham's branch locations during regular hours, or explore the digital recommendations online through the library's website.
A particular focus this year is on the library's Spanish-language collection, which includes books for children, teens, and adults. All three branches, the Central Library on Central Avenue, the Barkley Branch, and the Fairhaven Branch, carry Spanish-language titles. For residents who prefer digital reading or listening, Spanish-language ebooks and audiobooks are also available through the library's digital lending platforms, accessible with a standard library card at no cost.
The Bellingham Public Library has steadily expanded its multilingual holdings in recent years, reflecting growth in Whatcom County's Spanish-speaking population. Agricultural communities in the county's eastern reaches, including areas around Lynden, Everson, and Sumas, have long had significant Latino populations, and Bellingham itself has seen increasing demand for Spanish-language services in schools, health care, and public institutions.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month Matters Locally
Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs annually from September 15 to October 15, was established nationally in 1988 and recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The September 15 start date aligns with independence anniversaries for several Latin American nations, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
In Whatcom County, the Latino community makes up a meaningful share of the population, particularly in agriculture, food processing, and service industries. Local organizations including the Whatcom County Health and Community Services office and several nonprofit groups provide culturally specific programming and bilingual support throughout the year.
The library's recognition of the month continues a tradition of connecting local residents with materials that reflect their own experiences and heritage. Library cards are free for Bellingham and Whatcom County residents, and the library offers programs in multiple languages throughout the year. Those without a card can sign up at any branch location.
How to Explore the Collection
Residents interested in the Hispanic Heritage Month displays can visit any Bellingham Public Library branch during open hours. The Central Library at 210 Central Ave is open Monday through Saturday with extended weekday evening hours. The Barkley and Fairhaven branches offer more limited schedules, so checking the library's online calendar before visiting is recommended.
For digital access, library cardholders can use the Libby app to borrow ebooks and audiobooks in Spanish and dozens of other languages, with no waitlists for many titles. The library also subscribes to online databases and learning tools that include Spanish-language instruction and bilingual children's content.
Community members can also submit reading suggestions to library staff if there are titles or authors they feel should be part of the collection. The library regularly evaluates and expands its holdings based on patron feedback and circulation data.
The Bellingham Public Library is part of the Bellingham City Library system and receives funding through the City of Bellingham's general budget as well as state library grants. For hours, branch locations, and a link to online resources, visit bellinghampubliclibrary.org. Staff can also be reached by phone during open hours for questions about specific titles or language-specific materials.
For more on city-funded community programs this fall, recent coverage of Bellingham's new economic opportunity initiatives offers a look at how the city is expanding services to residents across neighborhoods, with details on what community-centered programming looks like across different city departments.
