Bellingham Public Library
Bellingham Public Library is a four-branch municipal library system in Bellingham, Washington, serving approximately 100,000 residents with free physical and digital collections, research databases, programs, and adaptive technology. Operations are publicly funded through the City of Bellingham General Fund and private donations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1951
- HeadquartersBellingham, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Bellingham Public Library does
Bellingham Public Library is a four-branch municipal public library system operated as a department of the City of Bellingham, Washington. The Central Library was built in 1951 and last remodeled in 1985; the system has since expanded to include Fairhaven, Barkley, and Bellis Fair (opened April 2023) branches, serving nearly 100,000 residents within city limits. In 2025, Central Library recorded approximately 400,000 visits; the system circulates roughly one million items and offers around 1,000 programs annually across all locations. The institution is governed by a five-member volunteer Board of Trustees appointed by the Mayor, with day-to-day operations led by library staff.
The library operates a hybrid physical-digital service model. Physical infrastructure includes four branch locations with public computers, WiFi (via COBPUBLIC network), meeting and study rooms, adaptive technology (D-Link videophone, CCTV magnifier, accessibility software), printing, scanning, and microfilm. The digital layer is assembled from third-party integrations: the Washington Anytime Library via Libby for eBooks and eAudiobooks (succeeded Overdrive in April 2023), Freegal Music (15M+ songs, 40,000+ labels), Kanopy streaming, Bibliocommons for the catalog, and a suite of subscription research databases (Gale, ProQuest, NewsBank, Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, NoveList Plus, Consumer Reports, Reference Solutions). Learning platforms include LinkedIn Learning for Library, Mango Languages (70+ languages), and Northstar Digital Literacy. WiFi hotspot lending and Tech Help coaching extend digital inclusion beyond library walls.
The business model is publicly funded. Primary operating funding flows from the City of Bellingham's General Fund, with no fees charged to cardholders for any service. Private donations are channeled through the Whatcom Community Foundation (including a $3.5M Central Library renovation campaign with $2.5M already committed) and the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library, a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1952 that has contributed over $1.6M historically and runs quarterly book sales. Reach beyond city limits is extended through an interlocal agreement with the Whatcom County Library System, while the ConnectED program embeds automatic library accounts into Bellingham Public Schools and Whatcom Intergenerational High School via student IDs.
Bellingham Public Library firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bellingham Public Library
- Legal name
- Bellingham Public Library
- Website
- https://bellinghampubliclibrary.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1951
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Bellingham Public Library is a four-branch municipal library system in Bellingham, Washington, serving approximately 100,000 residents with free physical and digital collections, research databases, programs, and adaptive technology. Operations are publicly funded through the City of Bellingham General Fund and private donations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bellingham Public Library industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Library Services
- NAICS
- Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)
Keywords
Where Bellingham Public Library is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bellingham
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Bellingham Public Library business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Municipal Funding: Primary funding through the City of Bellingham's General Fund as a department of the City. This covers daily operations, staff salaries, and basic services.
- Donations and Fundraising: Private donations through Whatcom Community Foundation, including a $3.5 million fundraising campaign for Central Library renovation ($2.5M already committed). Friends of the Library raise funds through book sales and membership dues.
- Book Sales Revenue: Friends of the Library sell donated books through quarterly book sales (three major sales per year) and 'Nearly New' area. Proceeds fund library programs and materials.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | Free Library Card - Standard Access |
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels9 records
Bellingham Public Library product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bellingham Public Library is a municipal library system operating four branches that provides free public access to physical and digital library collections, including books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, streaming films, music, and newspapers. It offers research databases, online learning platforms, public computers, WiFi, meeting rooms, museum passes, and community programs for all ages including children's, teen, and adult services.
Product overview
Bellingham Public Library is a four-branch public library system offering a comprehensive range of library services. The library provides both physical materials (books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks) and extensive digital collections. Digital offerings include eBooks and eAudiobooks through the Washington Anytime Library (Libby platform), streaming films via Kanopy, eMagazines, and music through Freegal. Research services encompass databases for genealogy, business, health, legal, and academic research including Gale, ProQuest, NewsBank, Ancestry, HeritageQuest, and specialized tools. Learning resources include LinkedIN Learning, Mango Languages, and Northstar Digital Literacy. The library serves all ages through dedicated children's services (storytimes, early literacy, craft fairs), teen programs, adult learning, tech help, meeting room reservations, museum passes, and community initiatives like Summer Reading and Whatcom READS. The ConnectED program provides automatic library accounts for local students. All services are free to Bellingham residents regardless of economic status.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Physical Materials Lending Traditional library services including borrowing books, DVDs, music CDs, audiobook CDs, and other physical materials from four branch locations. Available to library cardholders.
- Washington Anytime Library (Libby) eBooks and eAudiobooks Digital collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks accessible through the Libby platform via mobile app and web browser. Features fiction and nonfiction titles for children, teens, and adults from the Washington Anytime Library consortium, with borrowing periods of 7, 14, or 21 days.
- Kanopy Streaming
Quantifiable outcome
- 1 million items circulated annually through Central Library
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Bellingham Public Library
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Bellingham Public Library technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration25 records
Feature6 records
Bellingham Public Library partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Friends of the Bellingham Public LibrarycoreAll-volunteer nonprofit charitable organization established in 1952 to support the library and literacy. Raised over $1.6 million for the library, contributes 5000+ volunteer hours annually. Sponsors book sales, programs, Summer Reading, and materials. Managed by dedicated volunteers who accept book donations and sell materials to fund library services.
- Whatcom Community FoundationcoreHolds Bellingham Public Library funds including the $3.5 million Central Library renovation campaign. Serves as fiscal sponsor for library fundraising efforts and major gift donations. Contact: Jenn Daly, Director of Engagement & Philanthropy.
- Bellingham Public Schools (ConnectED Program)coreSchool-library partnership giving students access to library resources using school ID numbers. Students can borrow 2 physical items and 5 digital items, access computers, and use educational databases. Opt-out program ensuring all students are enrolled automatically.
- Whatcom Intergenerational High School (ConnectED Program)coreSchool-library partnership similar to ConnectED with Bellingham Public Schools, providing student library accounts for digital and physical material access.
- Whatcom MuseumminorProvides free general admission passes for up to 4 people to Whatcom Museum (Old City Hall and Lightcatcher building). Each family eligible for 1 pass per month, reservable 90 days in advance.
- Spark Museum of Electrical InventionminorProvides free general admission passes for up to 4 people. Each family eligible for 1 pass per month, reservable 90 days in advance.
- Whatcom County Library System (WCLS)coreInterlocal agreement for shared costs and cross-borrowing. County residents can borrow from BPL and vice versa. WCLS receives 95.1% funding from property taxes and serves 140,730 people outside Bellingham city limits.
- Goodwill Job Training and Education CenterminorGoodwill location at 1115 E. Sunset Drive offers free job readiness and computer classes including computing basics, keyboarding, and Microsoft Office training. Referenced as community tech help resource for job seekers.
- Washington State LibrarycorePartners with WCLS and BPL to offer free certification courses and exams through the Washington State Certification Portal. Provides Northstar Digital Literacy platform for Washington citizens.
- NAMI WhatcomminorNational Alliance on Mental Illness chapter offering free mental health resources, support, education, and advocacy programs. Hosts SkillShare sessions at Central Library.
- Opportunity CouncilminorCommunity organization providing assistance with Basic Food Benefit applications and utility bill discounts (Puget Sound Energy, Cascade Natural Gas). Hosts sessions at library SkillShare Space.
- LAW AdvocatesminorFree legal advice clinic for income-eligible people offering one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers. Hosts Street Law program at library requiring pre-registration.
- Northwest Regional CouncilminorAgency providing support for older adults and people with disabilities in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties. Offers information on WA Cares Fund at library SkillShare sessions.
- Kulshan Community Land TrustminorNonprofit offering shared equity homeownership program information. Hosts drop-in sessions at library to answer questions about affordable homeownership eligibility and application process.
- Community Health Plan of WashingtonminorCommunity Health Worker from Whatcom County provides help navigating community resources, insurance benefits, and more at library SkillShare sessions.
- Bellingham Vet CenterminorProvides mental health counseling for eligible veterans focusing on combat trauma and Military Sexual Trauma. Also assists with VA health care enrollment, military records, benefits claims, and referrals. Hosts sessions at library.
- Whatcom Community CollegeminorOpen house information sessions at library helping community members explore educational options, support services, college pathways, and application assistance.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Bellingham Public Library competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Bellingham Public Library social profiles
Digital presenceBellingham Public Library financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bellingham Public Library leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Bellingham Public Library funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bellingham Public Library M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bellingham Public Library
What does Bellingham Public Library do?
Bellingham Public Library is a municipal library system operating four branches that provides free public access to physical and digital library collections, including books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, streaming films, music, and newspapers. It offers research databases, online learning platforms, public computers, WiFi, meeting rooms, museum passes, and community programs for all ages including children's, teen, and adult services.
Is Bellingham Public Library a public or private company?
Bellingham Public Library is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Bellingham Public Library founded?
Bellingham Public Library was founded in 1951. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Bellingham Public Library based?
Bellingham Public Library is headquartered in Bellingham, United States, in the North America region.
How does Bellingham Public Library make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Municipal Funding is the primary driver. The others are donations and Fundraising and book Sales Revenue.
Does Bellingham Public Library have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bellingham Public Library.
What industry is Bellingham Public Library in?
Bellingham Public Library's product category is Public Library Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIACAO, Public Libraries & Information Services, with a secondary code of EDAEAGAC, Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management. Its NAICS code is 51921 and its SIC code is 8200.