Bellingham Public Library

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.

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

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

• Public library services
• Digital lending
• Community programming
• Research databases
• Children's literacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Bellingham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core 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

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration25 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Friends of the Bellingham Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1952All-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 FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHolds 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool-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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool-library partnership similar to ConnectED with Bellingham Public Schools, providing student library accounts for digital and physical material access.
• Whatcom MuseumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides 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 InventionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterlocal 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 CenterminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGoodwill 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 LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners 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 WhatcomminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNational Alliance on Mental Illness chapter offering free mental health resources, support, education, and advocacy programs. Hosts SkillShare sessions at Central Library.
• Opportunity CouncilminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity 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 AdvocatesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFree 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 CouncilminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAgency 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 TrustminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNonprofit 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 WashingtonminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Health Worker from Whatcom County provides help navigating community resources, insurance benefits, and more at library SkillShare sessions.
• Bellingham Vet CenterminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides 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 CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpen 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

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLj9c8-QztPhDjB5IExPPhYUAY7qQ2GES2
• Facebookfacebook.com/bellinghampubliclibrarywa
• Instagraminstagram.com/bellinghamlibrary
• Xx.com/BplLibrary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bellingham-public-library

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bellingham Public Library