Community Matters. In order to best support our local community Birch Bay Realty will donate five percent (5%) of our commissions to support the Birch Bay Library project. For the average house in the Birch Bay Area, we would be donating $500+ per listing or purchase.
We have a unique opportunity here in Birch Bay to have an amazing library right on the Beach. Whatcom County Library purchased the land where the historic Vogt house is currently located on 7968 Birch Bay Drive.
When the existing house was purchased in 2017, it was thought they would be able to keep the house and use it as a part of the Library. Unfortunately the house is not sound and would have to be rebuilt. After many designs where considered, Zervas Architects of Bellingham was brought in to create the current design modeled after the existing Vogt house.
This proposed library does not come cheap. The multi million dollar figure is overwhelming at first glance. The Friends of the Birch Bay Library have secured almost $200k in donations. Along with that they have secured $2MM in funding from the Washington State Legislature.
To raise the rest of the money we need help. There is an upcoming vote in the Birch Bay area that would help to pay for the Library. If this vote passes, we get to use the $2MM in funds from the State for the Library. If the vote fails, we lose the $2MM in funds and will continue to try to fund raise for the Library.
Washington State has created a way to fund libraries through a mechanism called Library Capital Facilities Area (LCFA). If you live inside this area of Birch Bay this affects you directly:
See the links below if you want to look up your direct address to see if you are in the LCFA. The amount of money they are asking for from each property owner is minor compared to the value that this community resource would provide to Birch Bay. The average home in Birch Bay would pay around $38 a year to fund the Library. This Vote is super important so make sure to get your ballot in the mail or drop off ASAP and tell your friends and neighbors to Vote as well.
Libraries are more than just books. They are community centers, meeting places, research venues and quiet places. Libraries provide resources to community members and businesses in the area. The Friends of the Birch Bay Library has even mentioned having beach toys to check out for people who came to Birch Bay and forgot their bucket and shovel.
Libraries Matter. Community Matters. Birch Bay Matters. We are going to do our part to make the Birch Bay Vogt Library a reality.
If you want to donate or help support the Birch Bay Library, you can find more information here:
https://www.wcls.org/birch-bay/
https://www.wcls.org/library-foundation/donation-form-birch-bay/