Help Rebuild the O’Brien Memorial Library in Blue River.

June Library Update

While the long and complex process of fundraising and scoping out the location for the new O’Brien Memorial Library continues, great progress has been made towards setting up a temporary library at the Upper McKenzie Community Center in Rainbow and we can now announce that they will officially open for business on July 5th!

Opening Hours starting July 5th

• Mondays & Wednesdays 1pm-3pm
• Thursdays thru Saturdays 10am-12pm

There will be story hour on Thursdays at 10:30am for babies through preschoolers. Two computers with internet access will be available for patrons plus a pay for print service.

The UMCC has partnered up with the Library’s board of volunteers to make this happen, and thanks to generous donations of both cash and books, they were able to create a lovely welcoming space.

Check out their new website www.OBrienLibrary.org. 

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In the meantime, a shout-out goes to the many volunteers and donors who have supported the library, especially the Blue River Bottle Boys, who have raised thousands of dollars with their “dime at a time” campaign, check out their video below! 

The UMCC is also operating as a Bottle Drop for the busy Bottle Boys so if you have returnable cans and bottles to get rid of you can drop them round the back at the UMCC who will pass them to Pete and Monty!

Letter from the Board

Our beloved Library in Blue River, staffed by volunteers, provided books and videos to the general public for years and is committed to furnishing these resources again as we work to rebuild. The majority of our patrons had their homes destroyed by the fire, as did many of our volunteers, including my family.

To fill immediate needs of the community, the Leaburg Library is open to all. Books and videos can be borrowed at no charge.  You will find the Library address and hours on their website here.

Many residents are without cable or satellite service and this outage could continue for several weeks.  The Relief Centers are accepting books and DVDs for distribution to help fill this void. Materials for young adults and children will be especially appreciated.

How You Can Help

The Library Board are welcoming donations mailed to: The O’Brien Memorial Library, PO Box 291, Blue River, OR 97413.

While plans to rebuild are in the early stages we are now looking at the option of a temporary mobile library truck to restore service to the local community in 2021 and will post more information on these plans soon.

A local resident and present student of the Pacific University School of Pharmacy, Khali Miller, is spearheading a fundraising effort to purchase books and distribute them directly to those impacted by the Holiday Farm Fire.  She is taking book requests through the end of the year.  Please submit your requests and contact information to her by email; mill5559@pacificu.edu.  A list will be compiled and in January, funds raised, books purchased and then distributed.

We are exploring the feasibility of establishing a temporary Library to serve the Community prior to rebuild, which will take a considerable amount of time.  At present, it is unlikely that Insurance or Government relief will cover temporary facilities in whatever form.  Accordingly, the Library will be dependant on donations and grants to pay for temporary facilities. 

We will keep you advised on plans for the possible temporary Library and the new Library as they progress next year. We ask for input on immediate needs, a possible temporary Library and the rebuild.  Please send your comments to Priscilla Oxley, oxcart55@yahoo.com.

The Library thanks you in advance for your donations to our Papal account and for in kind contribution of books and DVDs.

Priscilla Oxley

President

O’Brien Memorial Library

A 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Corporation

WE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT BOOK DONATIONS FOR THE BLUE RIVER LIBRARY. If folks want to bring donations specifically for Blue River, first please contact Beverly Braun at bbnanabev@gmail.com.