Bellingham Public Library offers behind-the-scenes tours | Bellingham Herald

Catch a glimpse behind the scenes at Bellingham Public Library — including the “hidden” fourth floor not usually accessible to the public — during two special tours this weekend.

Librarian Jenni Johnson leads free tours from 2-3:30 p.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the library, 210 Central Ave. Meet at the new SkillShare area across from the self-serve checkout stands.

The tours are most appropriate for adults and for older children, especially if accompanied by an adult.

“We’ll be taking a peek at the 1950s freight elevator, and then we’ll see the book hospital, also called the ‘mendery,’ where books are repaired,” Johnson said. Participants also will see books in the “closed stacks” area of the fourth floor and see how the volunteer Friends of the Bellingham Public Library prepares donated books for its semiannual sales.

A second set of tours is planned for Dec. 20. Details: contact Johnson at 360-778-7217 or jjohnson@cob.org.