News Releases

Join the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) and Humanities Washington for “Heaven on the Half Shell: Washington State’s Oyster Odyssey,” a free virtual talk with author David George Gordon. Get to know the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved bivalve—the oyster—on Wednesday, May 7, at 6 p.m.

Community members are invited to free Mother’s Day-themed programs on May 6 at the Forks Library, 171 S. Forks Ave., and on May 8 at the Clallam Bay Library, 16990 Hwy. 112.

Kids and teens can compete in a video game tournament at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave., on Saturday, May 3, from noon to 4 p.m. There will be an action-packed Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament on Nintendo Switch facilitated by NOLS staff.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) hosts three Book Discussion Group meetings monthly. Registration is not required. Learn more at NOLS.org/book-groups (or call or visit the library for assistance).

On March 14, President Trump issued an executive order directing the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to significantly reduce its operations. The order calls for the elimination of non-statutory components of the agency. While it was not immediately certain what this directive would entail, in recent weeks IMLS staff have been placed on administrative leave and previously awarded grants have been terminated.

Children of all ages and their families are invited to celebrate el Día del Niño/Children’s Day with the North Olympic Library System (NOLS). Attend the free event on Saturday, April 26, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Forks Library, 171 S. Forks Ave., and on Wednesday, April 30, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Sequim Library Temporary Location, 609 W. Washington St.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is hosting a free Community Plant Swap on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) Board of Trustees approved three resolutions recognizing significant donations to the new Sequim Library during their regular meeting on March 27, 2025.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is hosting two Earth Month Seed Exchange events. Stop by from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the Clallam Bay Library, 16990 Hwy. 112, or on Saturday, April 19, at the Forks Library, 171 S. Forks Ave.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is offering free art workshops taught by SilverKite Community Arts® on Zoom. Use your own materials and follow along with the instructor during the webinar or watch the recording after each session. Visit NOLS.org/silverkite to view the supply lists and register with access code NOLS2023.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is displaying the National Library of Medicine’s traveling exhibit, “Care and Custody: Past Responses to Mental Health,” at Peninsula College at Forks, 481 S. Forks Ave. The exhibit is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Thursday, through April 17.

The North Olympic Library System is partnering with Clallam County Fire District #1 Forks Fire Hall to present a special Storytime, “Fire Safety with Sparky the Fire Dog.” This free event begins at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 4, at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave.

Families looking for fun activities during spring break can enjoy two free events at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. Family Bingo will take place on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participants of all ages can play for the chance to win prizes. On Thursday, April 3, at 2 p.m., the library will host a screening of “Lilo and Stitch.”

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is excited to bring poetry programs to Clallam County during Poetry Month this April, in partnership with area organizations. Poetry Fest events will be hosted at Port Angeles and Forks libraries, followed by a reception at the Sequim Library. Olympic National Park and North Olympic Land Trust will display poetry along trails as part of the annual Poetry Walks experience.

Olympic National Park’s Perspectives Speaker Series concludes for the season with “Coastal Bluff Erosion at Kalaloch,” a presentation by Dr. Ian Miller, coastal hazards specialist with Washington Sea Grant. The free hybrid event is set for Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Attend the presentation at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St., or join the livestream using the Zoom link at NOLS.org/ONP.

Free movie screenings are offered on the fourth Friday of March and April at the Sequim Library Temporary Location (609 W. Washington St.). The after-hours showings begin at 6:30 p.m.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) invites community members to a free program, “Running for Local Office,” presented by the League of Women Voters of Clallam County. The event is set for Saturday, March 29, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., at the Forks Library, 171 S. Forks Ave.

Teens in grades 7–12 can create a tie-dye beach towel at free workshops hosted by the North Olympic Library System (NOLS). The library will provide all tie-dye materials and towels, a variety of fabric markers and other decorating supplies.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) hosts three Book Discussion Group meetings monthly. Registration is not required. Learn more at NOLS.org/book-groups (or call or visit the library for assistance).

The Sequim Library will host a series of free programs for children and families before and during Spring Break, offering hands-on activities that encourage creativity and problem-solving.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) will host author Leslie Romer for the presentation “Lost Fire Lookouts of the Olympic Peninsula.” Romer will share insights into the Peninsula’s historical fire lookouts, including still-standing structures and former sites, and discuss their significance in the area’s past.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) offers the Aging Well Speaker Series, a quarterly program featuring topics for those who want to live well while aging. Join the virtual meeting at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, to learn how to support your immune system through aging-related challenges.

Six teams of fourth-grade students at Helen Haller Elementary School participated in the Sequim Library’s Books and Trivia competition on March 7, testing their knowledge of two books in a quiz-style format. Team Starburst, made up of Nadia Martinez, Sidney Williams, and Ellie Hannam, won first place.

Students in grades 7–12 are invited to an after-hours Teen Night on the second Friday of every month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sequim Library Temporary Location, 609 W. Washington St. The library provides free pizza, snacks, and a variety of activities that change monthly based on input from the Teen Advisory Board.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) will host the National Library of Medicine’s traveling exhibit, “Care and Custody: Past Responses to Mental Health,” at the Port Angeles Main Library and Peninsula College at Forks. Special receptions will feature screenings of the award-winning documentary “Bedlam,” followed by panel discussions and resource sharing.

The Olympic National Park (ONP) Perspectives Speaker Series continues with “The Influence of Changing Winter Conditions on Olympic Mountain Lakes,” a presentation by Steven Fradkin and Bill Baccus. The free hybrid event is set for Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. Attend the presentation at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St., or join the livestream using the Zoom link at NOLS.org/ONP.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) invites local entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to Business and Connection, a free networking and resource-sharing event on Tuesday, March 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) invites community members to participate in free Craft Supply Swaps at the Forks and Clallam Bay Libraries. These events offer a chance to donate your unused supplies, then return to discover second-hand materials for your next creative project. Participants do not need to donate items to take materials from the swap.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) presents “Love/Rage/Us,” a solo exhibition by Clallam County Poet Laureate Jaiden Dokken at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. The free opening reception is set for Friday, Feb. 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and will include a poetry reading and live music by Whump.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) hosts three Book Discussion Group meetings monthly. Registration is not required. Learn more at NOLS.org/book-groups (or call or visit the library for assistance).

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) presents the concert Celtic Harps, Rare Instruments and Wondrous Stories with Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter. The free hour-long performance begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

The Sequim Library is hosting Telling Tales: An All-Ages Tabletop Role-Playing Game Night on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the library’s temporary location, 609 W. Washington St.

Whether you love Valentine’s Day or prefer to avoid the hearts and roses, the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) has something for you this February. Decorate a card to let someone know you care or celebrate friendship with an anti-Valentine's Day twist.

The Sequim Library is hosting Circuitry with the Civil Air Patrol, a free workshop designed for middle school students in grades 6-8 to learn about electricity with interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) projects.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is excited to announce Nellie Bridge as the next Clallam County Poet Laureate. Bridge will serve from April 2025 through March 2027, succeeding the county’s first poet laureate Jaiden Dokken.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) offers Kids Book Club, a monthly program for students in grades 1–3 and their caregivers. Kids will read the book on their own and then join library staff for a lively discussion at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. Every event will feature a fun activity based on the book.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) invites families to a Stuffie Sleepover on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave. The free event begins with crafts and Storytime, followed by the chance for children to leave their stuffed toys at the library for a fun-filled overnight adventure.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) hosts three Book Discussion Group meetings monthly. Registration is not required. Learn more at NOLS.org/book-groups (or call or visit the library for assistance).

Attend a free Homebuyer’s Info Night hosted by the Forks and Clallam Bay Libraries to learn about the homebuying process from real estate professionals. Select your preferred session online at NOLS.org/homebuyer or call 360-374-6402. Advance registration is requested, but not required to attend.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is inviting all ages to an after-hours Quiet Reading Party on Friday, Jan. 31, 6-7 p.m., at the Sequim Library Temporary Location, 609 W. Washington St. Attendees can wear comfortable clothes or pajamas, enjoy the hot beverages and light snacks provided, and settle in with a good book.

Did you receive a present that doesn’t quite suit your taste? Bring it to the Unwanted Gift Swap on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

Families are invited to a special winter-themed concert featuring local musician Keeth Apgar of The Harmonica Pocket. The free event begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Sequim Library Temporary Location, 609 W. Washington St.

Olympic National Park’s Perspectives Speaker Series is hosted by the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) in a hybrid format via Zoom and in person at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. The free talks begin at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month, January through April. No registration is needed. Join the livestream using the link at NOLS.org/ONP, or attend the presentations at the library.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) invites the public to a free online event, “Apollo 13: A Successful Failure,” on Wednesday, Jan. 22, beginning at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Join the presentation at NOLS.org/Apollo13.

In collaboration with the North Olympic Library System (NOLS), Rainforest Council for the Arts will lead a Fun-A-Day Library Takeover on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is hosting free workshops with End of Life Washington in Forks and Sequim. The two-hour End of Life Ready Workshops will provide an overview of advance care planning and end-of-life options. Registration is not needed.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is continuing its popular Jigsaw Puzzle Contest on the second Saturday of each month at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. On Jan. 11 and Feb. 8, the contest begins at 10 a.m. The start time changes to 10:30 a.m. on March 8, April 12, May 10 and June 14. Race the clock and other teams at the two-hour timed event.

Foster families are invited to participate in Foster Family Library Fun on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Forks Library, 171 S. Forks Ave., or on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Clallam Bay Library, 16990 Hwy. 112. All ages are welcome to this free event.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is offering Drop-In Tech Help sessions, which provide free, hands-on assistance with a variety of technology needs. Whether people are struggling to set up a new device or navigate email, library staff are ready to help everyone feel more confident with technology at the Forks Library, 171 S. Forks Ave. and the Clallam Bay Library, 16990 Hwy. 112.

Children ages 5 and younger can enjoy hands-on afternoon playtime with blocks at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St., on the first Wednesday of each month from 4 to 5 p.m. January’s event will be held on Thursday, Jan. 2, due to the library’s holiday closure.

Kids can enjoy various science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) activities with the North Olympic Library System (NOLS). Free hands-on STEAM Stations are offered at Clallam Bay, Forks and Port Angeles libraries.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) presents “Second Look,” a new Art in the Library exhibition at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. The free opening reception is set for Friday, Nov. 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Live music by surf rock band Ant Bath starts at 7 p.m.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) has released a video tour showcasing the architectural renderings of the new Sequim Library, which is currently under construction. The expanded facility will nearly double the library’s size from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet, addressing the needs of the growing community and making critical infrastructure improvements.

A new monthly event, Tabletop Role-Playing Game Night, is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. Families, friends, and individuals are all encouraged to drop in and play on the third Wednesday of each month. Many of the provided games are recommended for ages 8 and older; children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tweens and teens in grades 4 to 12 can play Magic: The Gathering on Mondays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

Teens in grades 7 to 12 can play games, discuss books, create art and work on their creative writing skills with the North Olympic Library System (NOLS). A variety of free activities and snacks are provided at each branch.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) offers Storytime weekly in Forks, Port Angeles and Sequim, and monthly in Clallam Bay. The free events begin the first week of September and continue through December 13.

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is excited to announce the Sequim Library Expansion and Renovation Project is entering its next phase in preparation for construction. Staff and professional movers who specialize in relocating library materials will soon be packing up approximately 50,000 items in the Sequim Library’s collection and moving to the temporary location, 609 W. Washington St., near the former JCPenney store.