July 1, 2025
Great progress has been made at the Sequim Library construction site. Unfortunately, even as the building nears completion, the project timeline continues to shift due to material delays.
Last fall, delivery delays of critical structural steel components stalled some of the work for months. Currently, there are major delays for the window systems (storefront and curtain walls). The large walls of glass and metal framing that will be installed around the library’s front entrance, the children’s area, and the entire back east wall, are being manufactured in the Eastern U.S. and won’t arrive for installation until early August. These windows were initially expected to be installed in May.
Plywood is temporarily covering the building’s missing windows. This temporary fix has allowed subcontractors to continue most of their work on the interior, such as drywall, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire sprinkler system, and cabinetry. Exterior and site work has also been moving along, with a majority of the landscaping completed, cedar siding and solar panels going up quickly, and most hardscapes in place.
If you drive by the building this summer, it will likely look nearly complete — except for those giant panels of plywood where windows should be. Fortunately, it really is nearly complete, but those missing windows and some additional adjustments to the electrical system are critical and required before next steps can be taken. Commissioning (testing and training on all the building systems) and installing shelving and furniture are some examples of the tasks that can only happen once the building is completely dried-in and substantial construction is complete.
At this time, we expect substantial construction to be completed by the end of the summer. After construction is complete, new shelving will be installed by a separate contractor. New furniture will be delivered and assembled shortly after the shelving is in place. The library can then begin to move from the temporary space to the new building, a process we expect to take two to three weeks.
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!
The main entrance and back east walls are temporarily covered with plywood until floor-to-ceiling windows can be installed later this summer.
Drywall is now complete inside the new Sequim Library. The back east wall will eventually be all glass.
Looking south into the children’s area. Custom carpentry is now being installed.
Benches with built-in storage are prepared for installation in the teen area.
Cabinetry in the main meeting room’s kitchenette and storage area are installed.
Facing west towards the location where the customer service desk will be located.
Ceiling fans throughout the main section of the building and windows that can open electronically will help efficiently circulate air.
The staff work room.
Solar panels covering the south roof and cedar siding is nearly complete.
Work continues on the outdoor children’s area and landscaping behind the building.
Looking at the northeast exterior.
Looking at the northwest exterior.
