Free Audiobooks with your Library Card
NOLS offers an extensive collection of audiobooks in all genres, catering to every reading interest. Whether you’re into thrilling mysteries, heartwarming romances, informative non-fiction, or classic literature, there’s something for everyone.
Local librarian helps select nationwide children’s book winner
What does a librarian from the Forks and Clallam Bay branches of the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) have to do with the book honored with this year’s Newbery Medal? The story begins in 2021 when Youth Services Librarian, Kristine Techavanich, was notified that she had been elected to serve on the next Newbery Award Selection Committee. Named for John Newbery, an 18th-century publisher, the 101-year-old Newbery Medal recognizes a single book from the previous year, which stands out as “the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for Children."
Off the Shelf – Downloadable Magazines now at NOLS
NOLS’ collection of magazines just got a lot bigger! In January, NOLS began a one-year trial of downloadable magazines, currently available through the Washington Anytime Library.
Off the Shelf – Books for You to Start 2022
There are so many great books to inspire you to live a good life – from following big dreams to committing to small daily habits. Maybe this is the year to finally get essential paperwork in order, do better at managing your finances, learn to draw, or commit to daily exercise. Whatever your goals are for 2022, stop by the library to browse the shelves or check out nols.org or to find a book that supports your personal growth.
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Cozy Up for Winter with the Library
December 1, 2021 – December is a great time to cook comfort food and fall into the flavors of the season, spend time with loved ones and your community, and grab a good book or join in on some winter programming with the Library.
December 1, 2021 – December is a great time to cook comfort food and fall into the flavors of the season, spend time with loved ones and your community, and grab a good book or join in on some winter programming with the Library.
Anticipating a big purchase? Start with your library card
November 1, 2021 – You may be thinking about a big purchase (a snow-blower, a new furnace, kitchen appliances) or a new toy or gift (a hot tub, a laptop, or a new grill!) for yourself of someone else. Instead of reaching for your credit card just yet, pull out your library card!
November 1, 2021 – You may be thinking about a big purchase (a snow-blower, a new furnace, kitchen appliances) or a new toy or gift (a hot tub, a laptop, or a new grill!) for yourself of someone else. Instead of reaching for your credit card just yet, pull out your library card!
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
October 1, 2021 – Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The recognition started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period from September 15 to October 15.
October 1, 2021 – Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The recognition started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period from September 15 to October 15.
Lifelong Learning at the Library
September 1, 2021 – As students return to in-person learning this fall, take time to consider your interests and personal goals for learning. Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, the library supports opportunities for lifelong learning.
September 1, 2021 – As students return to in-person learning this fall, take time to consider your interests and personal goals for learning. Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, the library supports opportunities for lifelong learning.
Explore the Peninsula
August 1, 2021 – Whatever your summer plans, the library offers resources for your adventures near and far– audiobooks for the road, travel books, passes to Olympic National Park and Washington State Parks, topographic trail maps, and a fun Summer Reading Game with ideas for local exploration (and reading inspiration)!
August 1, 2021 – Whatever your summer plans, the library offers resources for your adventures near and far– audiobooks for the road, travel books, passes to Olympic National Park and Washington State Parks, topographic trail maps, and a fun Summer Reading Game with ideas for local exploration (and reading inspiration)!
Digital Public Library of America Includes Local History
July 1, 2021 – The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is a free resource that allows users to search through millions of records at dozens of contributing institutions simultaneously. Instead of having to search individual collections at museums, institutions, and academic libraries, researchers can conduct one search and find relevant material from any contributor. With a recent update, NOLS and the Washington Rural Heritage Collection (WRH) are now included in DPLA.
July 1, 2021 – The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is a free resource that allows users to search through millions of records at dozens of contributing institutions simultaneously. Instead of having to search individual collections at museums, institutions, and academic libraries, researchers can conduct one search and find relevant material from any contributor. With a recent update, NOLS and the Washington Rural Heritage Collection (WRH) are now included in DPLA.
Summer Reading, Summer Fun
June 1, 2021 – Summer days are on the way, which is great news for readers. NOLS’ Summer Reading Program offers the chance to win prizes just for reading! This annual program is a great way to encourage reluctant readers to consider making reading a daily habit. Anyone – from babies to grown-ups – can participate in the fun, free program.
June 1, 2021 – Summer days are on the way, which is great news for readers. NOLS’ Summer Reading Program offers the chance to win prizes just for reading! This annual program is a great way to encourage reluctant readers to consider making reading a daily habit. Anyone – from babies to grown-ups – can participate in the fun, free program.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 1, 2021 – May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, commemorating the contributions and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Take time to learn more when you visit your library. Consider reading a book by an Asian American author or Pacific Islander author or check out a documentary film.
May 1, 2021 – May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, commemorating the contributions and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Take time to learn more when you visit your library. Consider reading a book by an Asian American author or Pacific Islander author or check out a documentary film.
Weeding, Seeding, and Reading
April 1, 2021 – Flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, the weeds are prolific, and seeds are sprouting! If you’re looking for garden inspiration, want to grow your knowledge about plants, or simply enjoy looking at beautiful pictures and illustrations, the library offers plenty of selections for all ages.
April 1, 2021 – Flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, the weeds are prolific, and seeds are sprouting! If you’re looking for garden inspiration, want to grow your knowledge about plants, or simply enjoy looking at beautiful pictures and illustrations, the library offers plenty of selections for all ages.
Welcome Back to the Library
March 1, 2021 – The shelves at the Sequim Branch Library are jam-packed with books, magazines, DVDs, and audiobooks. Come visit the library during Grab and Go Browsing hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm-6pm and Saturdays from 10am-1pm, to browse the shelves for interesting titles to take home and enjoy. Library staff are excited to welcome community members back inside the library again! It’s been a long year.
March 1, 2021 – The shelves at the Sequim Branch Library are jam-packed with books, magazines, DVDs, and audiobooks. Come visit the library during Grab and Go Browsing hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm-6pm and Saturdays from 10am-1pm, to browse the shelves for interesting titles to take home and enjoy. Library staff are excited to welcome community members back inside the library again! It’s been a long year.
Science Fiction Starter Pack
February 1, 2021 – If you’ve never seen the appeal of space, imaginary technology, or aliens, then this column is for you. It’s escapism with some intellectual heft behind it. Seeing the universe from every perspective imaginable helps us see things here on Earth with fresh eyes. Readers new to the science fiction (sci-fi) genre often start with a classic like Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card or Dune by Frank Herbert. Consider five sci-fi sub-genres that may get you hooked!
February 1, 2021 – If you’ve never seen the appeal of space, imaginary technology, or aliens, then this column is for you. It’s escapism with some intellectual heft behind it. Seeing the universe from every perspective imaginable helps us see things here on Earth with fresh eyes. Readers new to the science fiction (sci-fi) genre often start with a classic like Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card or Dune by Frank Herbert. Consider five sci-fi sub-genres that may get you hooked!
New Year, New Habits
January 1, 2021 – Many of us start out the New Year by setting intentions, committing to new habits, reflecting on the past year, and looking forward to a better year ahead. The library offers resources to support you and your family, as you learn, create and connect in 2021.
January 1, 2021 – Many of us start out the New Year by setting intentions, committing to new habits, reflecting on the past year, and looking forward to a better year ahead. The library offers resources to support you and your family, as you learn, create and connect in 2021.
Winter Gifts from Your Library
December 1, 2020 – This December, we’re all being challenged to adapt favorite traditions and settle in at home for a while. If you’re looking for ideas to help pass the time this winter, visit www.nols.org to learn more about materials and services available online or curbside at your local library.
December 1, 2020 – This December, we’re all being challenged to adapt favorite traditions and settle in at home for a while. If you’re looking for ideas to help pass the time this winter, visit www.nols.org to learn more about materials and services available online or curbside at your local library.
Celebrate National Picture Book Month
November 1, 2020 – In recognition of National Picture Book month, I thought I would share a handful of my favorites published in 2020. Although picture books are particularly good for one-on-one sharing with the children in your lives (introducing new vocabulary, helping build a love of reading), they are also great for all ages; replete with art and poetry.
November 1, 2020 – In recognition of National Picture Book month, I thought I would share a handful of my favorites published in 2020. Although picture books are particularly good for one-on-one sharing with the children in your lives (introducing new vocabulary, helping build a love of reading), they are also great for all ages; replete with art and poetry.
Visit Your Library Curbside
October 1, 2020 – Many of us are heading inside earlier than we did a month ago, with sunset arriving closer to dinnertime, leaving us a couple hours indoors at the end of the day. This is a great time to connect with a new book, watch a movie or listen to an audiobook as you work on a craft. If you’re looking for something to read or watch, the library has endless options.
October 1, 2020 – Many of us are heading inside earlier than we did a month ago, with sunset arriving closer to dinnertime, leaving us a couple hours indoors at the end of the day. This is a great time to connect with a new book, watch a movie or listen to an audiobook as you work on a craft. If you’re looking for something to read or watch, the library has endless options.
Doorways to Reading
September 1, 2020 – If you’ve ever been confounded by what to read next, and a librarian or friend suggested the ideal book, then you’ve been a beneficiary of readers’ advisory! At the North Olympic Library System, staff can give personalized recommendations online at nols.org (under ‘Services’ select ‘Bookmatch’) or by phone. If you wonder how staff find those books or would rather search yourself, here are some things to try.
September 1, 2020 – If you’ve ever been confounded by what to read next, and a librarian or friend suggested the ideal book, then you’ve been a beneficiary of readers’ advisory! At the North Olympic Library System, staff can give personalized recommendations online at nols.org (under ‘Services’ select ‘Bookmatch’) or by phone. If you wonder how staff find those books or would rather search yourself, here are some things to try.
Find a New Book
August 1, 2020 – Looking for a great new read to while away a summer day? The North Olympic Library System has you covered. The Library’s new book shelves, once a frequent destination for in-person browsing, are now full of books received within the last year waiting to be put on hold and checked out via curbside library service.
August 1, 2020 – Looking for a great new read to while away a summer day? The North Olympic Library System has you covered. The Library’s new book shelves, once a frequent destination for in-person browsing, are now full of books received within the last year waiting to be put on hold and checked out via curbside library service.
Customize Your Listening
July 1, 2020 – For community members with a smart phone, tablet, or home computer, downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks available through the Washington Anytime Library (WAL) and hoopla, are simple to access anytime from home—and have been a lifesaver through the recent library closure.
July 1, 2020 – For community members with a smart phone, tablet, or home computer, downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks available through the Washington Anytime Library (WAL) and hoopla, are simple to access anytime from home—and have been a lifesaver through the recent library closure.
Summer Reading
June 1, 2020 – We’re all looking forward to life getting back to “normal.” While this summer will look a bit different than past years, the library is still offering something familiar to many kids and adults – the Summer Reading Program!
June 1, 2020 – We’re all looking forward to life getting back to “normal.” While this summer will look a bit different than past years, the library is still offering something familiar to many kids and adults – the Summer Reading Program!
What can I do on the NOLS website?
May 1, 2020 – The question is really, “What can’t you do?” You may be surprised how much there is to explore at www.nols.org.
May 1, 2020 – The question is really, “What can’t you do?” You may be surprised how much there is to explore at www.nols.org.
Escape Into a Good Mystery
April 1, 2020 – Right now who couldn’t use an escape? I love nothing better than an absorbing mystery that keeps me turning pages until the end. Here are a few I’ve enjoyed recently.
April 1, 2020 – Right now who couldn’t use an escape? I love nothing better than an absorbing mystery that keeps me turning pages until the end. Here are a few I’ve enjoyed recently.
Numbers Tell a Story
March 1, 2020 – Every ten years, the Census counts everyone living in the United States. By mid-March, you’ll receive a postcard in the mail with information about how to complete the 2020 Census -online, by phone, or by mail. It only takes 10 minutes to complete and reflects where you are living on April 1.
March 1, 2020 – Every ten years, the Census counts everyone living in the United States. By mid-March, you’ll receive a postcard in the mail with information about how to complete the 2020 Census -online, by phone, or by mail. It only takes 10 minutes to complete and reflects where you are living on April 1.
Celebrating Love at the Library
February 1, 2020 – February is the month to celebrate love. The library collection contains thousands of love stories in books, audiobooks, and movies, along with countless love songs on music albums (available on CD or downloadable audio). This month, the library is also offering programs that support kindness and health/wellness. All programs are free and everyone is welcome to attend.
February 1, 2020 – February is the month to celebrate love. The library collection contains thousands of love stories in books, audiobooks, and movies, along with countless love songs on music albums (available on CD or downloadable audio). This month, the library is also offering programs that support kindness and health/wellness. All programs are free and everyone is welcome to attend.
A Great Start to a New Year
January 1, 2020 – Popular New Year’s resolutions include exercising more, developing healthier eating habits, getting organized, improving your financial situation, and spending more time doing the things you enjoy. I plan on doing all of these things – every January. Many of us start out the year committed to our new healthier habits, but can’t seem to stick with them past February.
January 1, 2020 – Popular New Year’s resolutions include exercising more, developing healthier eating habits, getting organized, improving your financial situation, and spending more time doing the things you enjoy. I plan on doing all of these things – every January. Many of us start out the year committed to our new healthier habits, but can’t seem to stick with them past February.
Best Picture Books of 2019
December 1, 2019 – It’s no big secret that I’m a huge picture book fan. Growing up, I enjoyed nothing more than checking out huge stacks of picture books and poring over the pages, and talking about them with my family. As an adult, I love the artwork and the enormous opportunity for conversation between reader and listener that a picture book gives.
December 1, 2019 – It’s no big secret that I’m a huge picture book fan. Growing up, I enjoyed nothing more than checking out huge stacks of picture books and poring over the pages, and talking about them with my family. As an adult, I love the artwork and the enormous opportunity for conversation between reader and listener that a picture book gives.
Fall Into a Good Read
November 1, 2019 – Adding a book to any North Olympic outing only increases the ways to enjoy our beautiful space. Whether that’s an audiobook by the campfire, an engrossing novel (on a waterproof eReader!) while lounging in a floatie on the lake, or chatting about favorite titles with friends on a sunny porch, the Peninsula offers a wealth of ways to enjoy books and our setting at the same time.
November 1, 2019 – Adding a book to any North Olympic outing only increases the ways to enjoy our beautiful space. Whether that’s an audiobook by the campfire, an engrossing novel (on a waterproof eReader!) while lounging in a floatie on the lake, or chatting about favorite titles with friends on a sunny porch, the Peninsula offers a wealth of ways to enjoy books and our setting at the same time.
Octo October
October 1, 2019 – The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery explores the emotional and physical world of the octopus—a surprisingly complex, intelligent, and spirited creature—and the remarkable connections it makes with humans. This engaging nonfiction book is the selected title for Clallam County Reads, a countywide initiative encouraging community members to share in a common reading experience this October.
October 1, 2019 – The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery explores the emotional and physical world of the octopus—a surprisingly complex, intelligent, and spirited creature—and the remarkable connections it makes with humans. This engaging nonfiction book is the selected title for Clallam County Reads, a countywide initiative encouraging community members to share in a common reading experience this October.
Libraries and Librarians – Changing with the Times
September 1, 2019 – The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is excited to announce it has joined a growing movement of libraries across the country that have gone fine free. Why fine free, and why now? Libraries are not static institutions. They continually grow and change in order to better reflect the current needs of society and more effectively serve their communities.
September 1, 2019 – The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is excited to announce it has joined a growing movement of libraries across the country that have gone fine free. Why fine free, and why now? Libraries are not static institutions. They continually grow and change in order to better reflect the current needs of society and more effectively serve their communities.
Summer Jazz at the Library
August 1, 2019 – If you haven’t yet enjoyed an outdoor concert at the Sequim Branch Library’s outdoor stage, mark your calendar for Friday, August 23rd and 30th. The panoramic views of the Olympics make for a stunning backdrop, admission is free, and the memories are priceless. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and invite your friends and neighbors to meet you at the library for a show! Concerts start at 6pm; inclement weather brings the performance inside the library.
August 1, 2019 – If you haven’t yet enjoyed an outdoor concert at the Sequim Branch Library’s outdoor stage, mark your calendar for Friday, August 23rd and 30th. The panoramic views of the Olympics make for a stunning backdrop, admission is free, and the memories are priceless. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and invite your friends and neighbors to meet you at the library for a show! Concerts start at 6pm; inclement weather brings the performance inside the library.
Expand Your Reading – Expand Your World
July 1, 2019 – Books have amazing powers to both affirm our lives and expand our horizons. Everyone has personal preferences for certain types of authors or characters, and reading in a well-loved genre, style, or subject can be relaxing, comforting, and reassuring. But reading can also expand our world view, taking us beyond our own lives, local culture, or current society, and letting us experience different times, lifestyles, life experiences, places, and cultures.
July 1, 2019 – Books have amazing powers to both affirm our lives and expand our horizons. Everyone has personal preferences for certain types of authors or characters, and reading in a well-loved genre, style, or subject can be relaxing, comforting, and reassuring. But reading can also expand our world view, taking us beyond our own lives, local culture, or current society, and letting us experience different times, lifestyles, life experiences, places, and cultures.
Peninsula Families Today – Encouraging Empathy in Children
July 1, 2019 – “As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has—or ever will have—something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.” Mr. Rogers
July 1, 2019 – “As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has—or ever will have—something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.” Mr. Rogers
3, 2, 1… Blast Off!
June 1, 2019 – Every year, libraries across the country encourage youth to continue reading during the summer break. Daily reading is good for everyone, but is especially important for young people who are learning to read and developing critical thinking skills. Whether you’re a book-lover or reluctant reader, a kid or grown-up, NOLS is here to help you achieve your summer reading goals, and have fun doing it!
June 1, 2019 – Every year, libraries across the country encourage youth to continue reading during the summer break. Daily reading is good for everyone, but is especially important for young people who are learning to read and developing critical thinking skills. Whether you’re a book-lover or reluctant reader, a kid or grown-up, NOLS is here to help you achieve your summer reading goals, and have fun doing it!
For the Birds
May 1, 2019 – You’re never too young (or too old) for birdwatching. Celebrate spring migration by taking a bird walk with the children in your life. It’s a great way to introduce new vocabulary and experience nature in a live-action “Where’s Waldo?” situation that appeals to the puzzle solver in all of us.
May 1, 2019 – You’re never too young (or too old) for birdwatching. Celebrate spring migration by taking a bird walk with the children in your life. It’s a great way to introduce new vocabulary and experience nature in a live-action “Where’s Waldo?” situation that appeals to the puzzle solver in all of us.
Spring cleaning is optional!
April 1, 2019 – Spring has arrived on the Peninsula, and whether you’re working in the yard or inside planning your summer garden, exploring a new trail or doing some spring cleaning, the library has plenty of resources to support and inspire you this season.
April 1, 2019 – Spring has arrived on the Peninsula, and whether you’re working in the yard or inside planning your summer garden, exploring a new trail or doing some spring cleaning, the library has plenty of resources to support and inspire you this season.
Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History
March 1, 2019 – “Well-behaved women seldom make history” is a quote you’ve likely seen on bumper stickers, T-shirts and posters. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich originally wrote the words in a 1976 scholarly article. History remembers those who push the limits, change laws, fight for freedom and democracy, advocate for justice, live creative lives, and take risks.
March 1, 2019 – “Well-behaved women seldom make history” is a quote you’ve likely seen on bumper stickers, T-shirts and posters. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich originally wrote the words in a 1976 scholarly article. History remembers those who push the limits, change laws, fight for freedom and democracy, advocate for justice, live creative lives, and take risks.
Peninsula Families Today – Area librarians offer reading suggestions for all ages
February 1, 2019 – When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing more fun than curling up with a good book! The North Olympic Library System has some great new titles for all ages, ready for check out.
February 1, 2019 – When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing more fun than curling up with a good book! The North Olympic Library System has some great new titles for all ages, ready for check out.
Finding Love at the Library
February 1, 2019 – February is a month of romance, hearts, valentines, and love. While Valentine’s Day focuses on romance, love in many forms can fill our lives throughout the year. If you’re craving a good love story, whether it’s from a feel-good romance story, something with some heartbreak, or a story of the love of longtime friends, consider adding some of these titles to your reading list.
February 1, 2019 – February is a month of romance, hearts, valentines, and love. While Valentine’s Day focuses on romance, love in many forms can fill our lives throughout the year. If you’re craving a good love story, whether it’s from a feel-good romance story, something with some heartbreak, or a story of the love of longtime friends, consider adding some of these titles to your reading list.
Read-Alikes for Books Popular in 2018
January 1, 2019 – Circulation data about the books most frequently checked out during 2018 provides a glimpse into community interests and reading preferences. Mystery, history, and books on politics, health, self-help and baking, all made NOLS’ Top 30 lists this year.
January 1, 2019 – Circulation data about the books most frequently checked out during 2018 provides a glimpse into community interests and reading preferences. Mystery, history, and books on politics, health, self-help and baking, all made NOLS’ Top 30 lists this year.