The Birch Bay Vogt Community Library
Community Approved Architect Design
At the Birch Bay Library
You Will Be Able To:
Attend story times, events, historian presentations or your book club
Cozy up to the fireplace reminiscent of the one in the historical Vogt home.
Relax on the outside reading porch or inside near the expansive windows with a view of Birch Bay
Borrow or browse books, audiobooks, movies, music, or periodicals and even toys
Use public meeting spaces for job training, community meetings & events
Access computers, databases, the Internet and WIFI throughout the property
About Us
Who are we?
What do we do?
Friends of Birch Bay Library (FOBBL) is a non-profit organization raising funds to build Birch Bay Vogt Community Library in Birch Bay, Washington. FOBBL raises funds through donations, book sales, grants and events.
Friends of Birch Bay Library
Raising Funds to Build Birch Bay Vogt Community Library
Fall Fundraising was a success!
Many FOBBL members reached out to friends and the broader community, and you really came through for us! We appreciate you all so much. Watch for our next exciting fundraiser coming in early December.
FOBBL Happenings
– Note –
Due to the uncertainty of social distancing guidelines, most FOBBL events are on hold at this time. We will update this page as new information becomes available.
Events, Meetings and Endeavors
A Community Thrives Drive – We are participating in A Community Thrives fundraising activity where our participation may be rewarded with grant money. Please consider learning more and making a donation at this site:
https://acommunitythrives.mightycause.com/story/Fobbl
Book Sales – We are active collectors of donations and resalers of used, in good condition, books for all ages. We’ve had to put this activity on hold due to the the CoVid-19 pandemic, but we look forward to being able to take donations and offer for sale all our wonderful books again.
FOBBL Booths – We enjoy participating in community events, especially the Birch Bay events by representing our organization and mission with booths at as many events as we can cover. We look forward to participating again in 2021.
Annual General Meeting -Annually we have a full meeting inviting all who are interested. This meeting is usually held in the summer. In 2020 this meeting was held via Zoom, and lacked the excitement of previous meetings.
Annual Large Fundraiser Event – We’ve held a dinner dance and planned a extravaganza for fall 2020, but like many other events, we’ve had to postpone it.
Movie Night – During this summer of 2020 we joined the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce in hosting a drive-in movie event at the waterslides site. We invited the community to enjoy “Hook!” with us and donate to our library construction project.
Merchandise Sales – We are continuing to add to our merchandise sales. We have tote bags, T-shirts, and FOBBL facemasks!
Birch Bay Library Book Club – In normal times, our book club meets the third Wednesday of each month, from 4 – 5:30 p.m., on the library site. Contact: Harieklia Bryant (klia1@mac.com). All are welcome! While these are not normal times, reading continues unabated. More here…
A Library for the Birch Bay Community
As illustrated in this concept video, our library is modeled after the historic Vogt home, located at 7968 Birch Bay Drive. With bay views and lots of natural light, our library space will be filled with books, equipped with technology, and serve as a community gathering place.
Mission, Vision and Value Statements
Mission
Friends of Birch Bay Library is a volunteer group dedicated to bringing a full-service library to the Birch Bay community. Initially, we will raise funds to build a library as part of the Whatcom County Library System. Once completed, we will provide funding to support library programs that encourage lifelong learning, stimulate creativity, and strengthen community.
Vision
Our library will serve as a lifelong learning hub in the heart of our community where all are welcome to be curious, learn, and connect.
Values
To accomplish our Mission and Vision, Friends of Birch Bay Library will:
- Advocate for full library services with Whatcom County Library System; working together to complete our building project.
- Garner support through community meetings, presentations, and information sharing.
- Create fundraising efforts that include, but is not limited to, book sales, bake sales, grant submissions, quarterly fundraising campaigns, and involvement in community events.
- Engage community members in Library events.
- Maintain awareness of our building project through quarterly newsletters, promotions, presentations, and open Friends meetings.
- Embrace the spirit of equality and equity for all.
- Actively participate in and support other community events as a permanent community anchor.
Topics Worthy of Discussion!
Bookmobile day is Wednesday in Birch Bay!
The WCLS (Whatcom County Library System) bookmobile had been visiting Birch Bay on Wednesday’s for many years. And even during this crazy summer it is still making its stops on Wednesdays from 3 – 7
2020 July – Geotech is Testing!
Written by: Di Marrs-Smith & Connie Taylor Geotech testing is getting started at our Birch Bay library site. Drayton Archaeology is on-site to monitor. Work is happening! What they are looking for is how much
2020 Begins New Planning
Written by: Di Marrs-Smith As we begin the new year, we are laying out plans for new community events to help us in our fundraising goals and to keep our community informed on Birch Bay
FUND PROGRESS
Each Dollar Gets Us Closer to Building Our Library!
$2.1M
$0M
$4.7M
$2 Million state appropriation
“With the state appropriation [of $2 million], we have a deadline to raise [an additional $2 million] by June 30, 2021, or we are at risk of losing the funds. . . .Now is the time for major gifts, and we’re asking for the community’s help.”
LIBRARY FUNDRAISING DEADLINE
DONATE
Help Us Build Our Library!
Donations for the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library Project are being collected by the Whatcom County Library Foundation.
DONATE BY CHECK
Make your check payable to the Whatcom County Library Foundation. In the check’s memo line, please be sure to specify “Birch Bay”, so your donation will be directed to our library’s building fund!
Mail Checks To:
Whatcom County Library Foundation
Attn: Jennifer Rick
5205 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226
CONTACT US
Send Us A Message