January 21, 2026
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. Learn more about the move and closure here.
The Sequim Library Expansion and Renovation Project has taken an extraordinary amount of effort over the years. Getting to the point we’re at today has not been an easy or straightforward path, and it would not have been possible without the many contributions and continuous support of donors, employees, and volunteers.
Twenty-five years ago, a feasibility study was commissioned by an entirely different team of library staff and community members. The study found that “It is obvious to staff, volunteers, the advisory committee and to at least some users that NOLS Sequim Branch Library is too small. This feasibility report provides documented evidence that supports the need for more space, and quantifies these needs. Simply, there is no longer any doubt that the library must plan for expansion.”
Nearly 15 years later, a second needs assessment and feasibility study found that, “The existing Sequim Branch Library is too small to meet current operational needs and will be even less functional in the future, as the need for flexible spaces increases and the population of the service area grows. The building is not ADA-accessible. It juxtaposes conflicting uses in too-cramped spaces.”
After a 2018 bond measure to build a new Sequim Library received a nearly 59% yes vote, 1% shy of the 60% needed to pass, the future of the Sequim Library was uncertain. Thankfully, a clear path forward emerged during the past five years and moving forward has been made possible thanks to the generous support of hundreds of local donors, grants approved by the state government, and an incredible amount of work by NOLS employees.
A lot of effort has gone into minimizing disruption to library service during this multiyear project, but there have been impacts to patrons and staff. The nimbleness and grace everyone has demonstrated has been truly appreciated. Thank you for your patience as we’ve navigated construction challenges.
Even though it has taken us much longer than expected to build the new Sequim Library, the need for the library remains clear. While operating out of the Temporary Location in 2025, the Sequim Library had 110,808 visits; items were checked out or renewed 316,130 times; there were 10,852 public computer sessions; 84,946 prints were made; and 161 programs were offered for all ages.
NOLS is striving to deliver an excellent library for the community and we’re excited to invite you into the new space that you helped make possible!
Looking northwest at the east wall of the Sequim Library where new windows are being installed.
Looking southwest at the east wall of the Sequim Library where new windows are being installed.
A path along the exterior of the Sequim Library features new seating and landscaping.
New landscaping in front on the Sequim Library features new picnic tables, flagpole, and accessible path to Sequim Avenue.
New shelving inside the Sequim Library.
A social gathering space with views to the south.
Community meeting room with views to the south.
New shelving in the Sequim Library.
After a long delay, custom framing and windows on the east wall of the Sequim Library has started to be installed.
