Year in Review: Friends of Birch Bay Library

The Friends of Birch Bay Library appreciate all our community support in 2022. 

We had a bumpy start to the year with our failed Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) campaign. With 59 percent of our community voting ‘yes’ for the LCFA twice (we needed 60 percent to win the election), it was very clear that the Birch Bay community supported and wanted a library. 

Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) and the Friends took time to scale down our project. That modification led to a smaller library express option that would use the first floor of the existing building. This would allow for holds pick up, a micro collection and meeting room space. WCLS sent a scope of work change to the Department of Commerce to see if this new plan would be approved, allowing us to keep our $2 million state appropriation. We hope to find out that decision soon.

Our summer and fall fundraising was amazing. We enjoyed hosting Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce community events again this year. We grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, sold books and had great conversations with our community and Birch Bay visitors. We want to give a huge shout out to Birch Bay Realty for their year-long contribution to us. Together, with our fundraising and their contributions, we added $10,000 to our library building project in September.

Our 2023 Birch Bay calendars are ready for purchase. This year, community members sent in some great pictures and added quotes on why they love Birch Bay. The cost is $25 and you can get one by contacting Di Marrs-Smith at fobblpresident@gmail.com.

We look forward to 2023; continuing to advocate for a library in Birch Bay, seeing you out at community events and raising money for the library project.