February 20, 2026
After weeks of packing tens of thousands of books and a building full of furniture and equipment, then moving them across town, we’re now unpacking all the items and getting very close to opening the new Sequim Library. Staff are busy setting up the space, receiving training on the new building’s systems, and getting it ready for you!
Before the library can be opened to the public, our contractors need to finish some final work to receive a certificate of occupancy. The certificate of occupancy is an official document issued by the City of Sequim certifying that the structure is safe, inspected, and complies with all building codes and zoning regulations for its intended use. Much of the work has already been completed in recent months, including inspection and approval of the electrical systems, the new fire sprinkler and plumbing. Now that all of the long-delayed windows have been installed, required activities such as whole building air barrier testing have been completed.
Once NOLS receives a certificate of occupancy and ensures all other regulatory and insurance requirements are met to open the building to the public, we will announce an opening date as quickly as possible and invite the community into the new library. There will continue to be a few minor details that will be added or adjusted in the weeks after we open—those items won’t cause any more delays and they won’t impact our ability to offer core services and a safe space.
After we’ve welcomed you into the library, NOLS will plan an event in the spring to celebrate the new building and the community members and donors who made it possible.
Until then, holds pickup and returns will continue to be offered out of the temporary library location. The Port Angeles Main Library remains available regular hours. If you have any questions, please reach out via email to sequim@nols.org.
Staff loaded nearly 50,000 items onto moving carts with color-coded labels by section.
Packing in progress at the Temporary Location.
Professional movers deinstalled shelves and wrapped book carts.
Moving trucks carried several loads of materials to the new building.
Moving carts are carefully lowered using a lift gate.
Moving carts are lined up in front of the new building.
One by one, carts are moved in quick stages while construction continues on site.
Moving carts are organized in front of the welcome desk for staff to begin shelving.
Staff make quick work of filling shelves in the new building.
Picture books are shelved in the new Children’s Area that has lots of reading nooks.
