Library · Bellingham
Libraries in Bellingham
Bellingham Public Library serves Bellingham’s 97,270 residents from 4 locations. Last year it logged 452,638 visits, about 4.7 for every resident, and lent 1.8M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Central Library
210 Central Ave, Bellingham 98225
54 hrsopen a week
44,000sq ft
183Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#10
#10 of 20 · Most-used libraries in WA →Among WA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#3 · Most library borrowing →#2 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
453K
visits
4.7 per resident
1.8M
loans, print + digital
18.5 per resident
977
programs & events
28K attended
55K
library cards
57% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 100,000 people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
4.7 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 84% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
12.6 print items · typical 3.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
6.0 e-items · typical 1.2
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
5.7 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (43th percentile)
Cardholders
57% of residents
Higher than 77% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.8M loans last year
Books & media (adults)37%Kids’ books & media31%E-books, audio & streaming32%
Who the programs are for
977 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$83 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $8.1M.
Local 99%Gifts & other 1%
Locations
Other libraries in Bellingham
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.