Couth Buzzard Books Emergency Fund

BUILDING COMMUNITY -- ONE CUP, ONE BOOK,ONE NOTE AT A TIME...
Our business motto captures the essence of Couth Buzzard Books. We are so much more than a bookstore: we also are a cafe, performance space, and most importantly, a key community gathering hub for North Seattle. For over 30 years, The Couth Buzzard has served the diverse needs of our surrounding communities, overcoming many setbacks, hardships and challenges to become the popular multipurpose neighborhood facility we are today. Theo Dzielak has owned this business for over 10 years. 

A SHORT LIST OF OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS...
- Creative writing groups including the all-levels, all-ages Couth Buzzard Writers’ Group and the Poets’ Table.
- Multiple reading groups, including the long-standing Couth Buzzard Book Club and Buzzard Whodunit Mystery Book Club.
- A weekly all-ages Community Open Mic that encourages and supports participation from all members of the community.
- Local author events featuring authors such as David Shields, Nick Licata, Peter Mountford, Mary Purdy and others.
- Current Events discussion groups.
- Concerts every weekend, including many in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Folklore Society, ranging from local heroes to internationally acclaimed artists.
- As part of Greenwood's annual Halloween celebration, we give away hundreds of books each year to local children.
- Environmental advocacy groups including the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and pro-bicycle Greenways group.
- Weekly board game nights where players can find a partner for everything from chess to cribbage, and learn the ancient game of Go from a highly respected local teacher.
- All age and skill level music jams featuring a broad range of styles -- from jazz standards, improv, and Americana to Celtic, Brazilian Choro, and more.
- A yearly Jazz Festival where both seasoned performers and emerging artists celebrate the genre’s history and discover its future.
- A safe place for children to learn and play -- we proudly host a Girl Scout troop, and an open mic for the talented kids of the Bureau of Fearless Ideas.
- Language conversation groups including French, Spanish and Gaelic.

Couth Buzzard Books overcame many struggles, challenges, and setbacks to arrive where we are today. Campaign Organizer and Owner Theo Dzielak faced personal tragedy. The store bounced back from a series of burglaries and the devastating gas explosion that damaged The Buzzard and many Greenwood businesses. 

THE CORONA VIRUS CRISIS AND SEATTLE'S LOCAL BUSINESSES & WORKERS

As many of you know, Seattle is "ground zero" for the Corona Virus. President Trump has declared a national emergency. 
The Governor of Washington State has ordered that all "non-essential" businesses" remain closed to at least April 8th, and probably until April 30th.
As a result, Couth Buzzard Books is financially stressed by the reaction to the virus.  Essentially we have no income. It has affected our ability to survive. We have been forced to furlough our  employees.

We are actively exploring government opportunities for support. But we also need your help. We do this with great reluctance. We are confident that our income will return to normal once the virus is generally contained. We have built a  large, loyal customer base over the years, and they all express how much they want and need for us to continue serving our community. We truly are community assets.
Your Donations.The funds you donate will be used to pay rent and utilities,  taxes and licensing fees,to re-employ our workers, to cover outstanding bills. 

Thank you for supporting Couth Buzzard Books, our future, and your community!