SQ Project Updates

The new Sequim Library opened with an enthusiastic community response, and has remained busy with Storytimes, after-school teen gatherings, community use of the new meeting rooms, and more. While all library services have resumed, contractors and subcontractors continue completing punch list items and fine tuning. Most of this work happens outside of regular operating hours, but there will be some noticeable work in the upcoming weeks. Beginning May 18, temporary window removal and construction of a cedar screen wall may cause some short-term disruptions.

We’ve all been looking forward to the opening of the new Sequim Library, and it’s finally happening!

The library at 630 N. Sequim Ave. opens to the public on Saturday, March 21, from 10am to 5pm, and staff are excited to welcome our community.

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!

We’re almost there! Long-delayed pieces for the east wall of the Sequim Library have been delivered and installation is expected to be finished in the coming weeks. Other subcontractors will be able to wrap up their work, which had been paused for the east wall completion. We are eager to announce an opening date for the new building soon. To allow staff time to pack, move, and prepare the library for the public, the Temporary Location will be closed in February. During the closure, holds pickup and returns will remain available at the Temporary Location.

Delays in specialty materials have pushed back completion of the Sequim Library’s east exterior wall, but critical parts have arrived and installation of the window framing is underway. An opening date is expected to be announced in early 2026, and the temporary library at 609 W. Washington St. remains fully operational. The project team has made efficient use of time by commissioning building systems to ensure everything is tested and ready before opening.

While we continue to wait for the building’s large storefront windows to be installed, the project’s other subcontractors are completing as much interior work as possible. Exciting progress is being made and we anticipate that the new building will open in early 2026. More information will be shared with Sequim Library patrons and the community when NOLS can begin moving library materials into the new building and open it to the public.

There have continued to be delays on some of the specialized components and framing for the building’s large storefront windows, which has impacted other finish work from being completed. Some of those parts began to arrive in October, allowing windows and doors in the building’s entry and children’s area to begin to be installed. Being able to see the new views from inside the library is very exciting! With many of the bunker-like concrete walls of the old building now gone, the Olympic Mountains can now be seen from throughout the south side of the building.

The Library initially thought it could reuse the original outdoor stage located in the field behind the Sequim Library, but as it was moved back into place earlier this year, it became clear that extensive repairs would be needed to bring the stage to a safe and working condition similar to the rest of the new building. The stage has a long history of use for larger library programs, such as concerts and storytimes, so NOLS prioritized replacing it with a more permanent, well-built stage. The new stage is better oriented on the reworked site, will have an accessible path on to it, and utilizes the same design principles as the library.

This summer, Hoch Construction and their subcontractors have been completing the many fine details of the finish work on site. The custom cabinetry throughout the building is beautiful, the lighting looks amazing, and everything feels intentionally designed and built to last. At this time, we’re planning for construction to be completed this fall and for the Sequim Library to open in late fall. NOLS will be excited to share more information when opening dates can be confirmed!

NOLS expects the new Sequim Library to open to the public this fall. Although not totally unexpected with a construction project of this scale, the delays are still disappointing and we’re anxious to move into the new space. The Library is committed to minimizing the impact on services offered to the public and the temporary space, which has been working very well in its limited capacity, will continue to be available until the new library is open. This amazing new building is going to be worth the wait!