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In 2025, the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) engaged in a strategic planning process. Trustees, staff, and community members provided feedback about what they thought the Library should focus on during the next five years.

This participatory process resulted in the creation of five high-level goals, forming the 2026-2030 Strategic Roadmap for NOLS.

Select “Example of Projects” following each goal to learn more. Through 2030, NOLS will regularly update these project examples and share progress and completion updates.

Goal #1: Develop Collections and Services to Meet Community Needs

NOLS will develop its collections and services to meet the diverse needs of our communities, fostering literacy and providing dependable information sources. Whether you are reading for fun, researching a topic, or accessing online tools, we will have the right resources for you.

  • The NOLS online catalog will be improved to give patrons better information and automatic updates about their material requests. This project will improve the patron experience and encourage more use. Data analysis (of non-personally identifiable information) will help build a collection that is reflective of the community’s interests.
  • Public printers will be available wirelessly from patrons’ personal devices, no longer requiring login at one of the Library’s public computers. In 2024, nearly 200,000 prints were made on NOLS public printers. With wireless printing, the service will become a more efficient and accessible service for all.
  • Additional equipment will be identified to expand the NOLS Gear collection, which currently includes musical instruments, state and national park passes, electronics, and more. Community members have shared their interest in being able to check out other specialized items, try new tools and technology, and explore local attractions they may not be able to afford.

Goal #2: Expand Outreach and Accessibility to Serve All Patrons

Getting a library card will be an accessible and simple process for all ages. NOLS will develop and maintain facilities and services that are welcoming for all. If a patron cannot easily access a library branch, we will reach them with alternative and innovative service models.

  • Holds lockers with 24/7 access will be installed at locations across Clallam County, including outside of NOLS branches. Patrons will be able to place holds on items online and select one of the lockers as the pickup location. This equipment and service improves the availability of library materials for those with personal schedules that don’t align well with their branch’s open hours.
  • NOLS will partner with school districts and education organizations to issue library cards to every child in the county. By creating a process for school-aged children to automatically receive a library card, barriers to access are reduced and children and their families have increased awareness of library resources that improve literacy.
  • As staff continues to make library facility improvements to meet ADA standards and improve accessibility for all visitors, NOLS will also ensure its website and online resources are compliant with new accessibility standards. Patrons using adaptive technology to browse the online catalog, use a research database, or read an eBook, will be able to easily access and navigate the NOLS website.

Goal #3: Offer Engaging Programming that Brings Communities Together

NOLS will be a lively cultural and lifelong learning center for Clallam County residents. Focusing on opportunities for creativity, learning, and connection, the Library will organize fun and impactful programs that speak to you, regardless of age, income, or ability.

  • A desire for additional programming was a dominant theme of community survey input. NOLS will strive to offer more arts, cultural, and literacy focused events, and prioritize programming that can foster human connection and reduce loneliness.
  • The Library’s volunteer program will be expanded and improved, providing opportunities for individuals to support, serve, and connect with their communities. This will allow NOLS to efficiently use volunteer’s skills and time to support quality library service.
  • Technology programs and services will be added to help patrons use the Library’s digital tools and understand the technology they encounter in daily life. Many residents struggle to access or keep up with new technology, and the Library is well positioned to address the digital literacy needs of Clallam County residents.

Goal #4: Support Our Local Economies

NOLS will connect entrepreneurs, job seekers, and employers to the resources and training they need to be successful. The Library will strive to develop close working relationships with other community agencies, organizations and businesses to foster cooperation, making the most efficient and effective use of taxpayer resources.

  • Clallam County has been designated as economically distressed due to high poverty rates, lower median incomes compared to state averages, and a long-term decline in high-wage jobs. Through workshops, self-paced courses, and other methods, NOLS will help community members apply for jobs, write resumes, prepare for interviews, and continue their professional development journeys.
  • Staff will explore options that will increase use of local businesses for purchases of Library supplies and services, while remaining in compliance with appropriate laws, policies, and fiscal practices. NOLS currently utilizes many local businesses on operating and capital expenses, but the Library has an opportunity to invest even more locally and support more Olympic Peninsula businesses while carrying out its mission.
  • The Library will collaborate with local and regional business groups to help identify and meet the needs of Clallam County businesses and nonprofits. Many of the Library’s resources—such as free computer, printing, and internet access, workshops and courses with subject experts, and online databases—can be better leveraged by the business community through this increased collaboration.

Goal #5: Strengthen NOLS as an Organization

Meeting these goals will require a strong team made up of skilled staff members dedicated to the mission. Policies, procedures, internal systems, and professional development opportunities will be improved to support the team’s work. The Library’s financial sustainability will be prioritized to ensure quality library services can be provided into the future.

  • Public libraries face significant cybersecurity threats such as ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. NOLS will implement ongoing cybersecurity training and new tools for all employees to help mitigate these threats, ensuring patron data is protected, public funds are secure, and the organization continues to operate smoothly.
  • A new process will be developed to better evaluate the effectiveness of services and programs NOLS offers the public. These mechanisms will help staff make better decisions about how to utilize their limited time and resources, and best serve the community.
  • Each of the Library’s branches, departments, and works groups will document and standardize all of their orientation and training procedures. This process will help find and address training gaps, improve consistency across the organization, and make it easier for staff to find the information they need, resulting in better service for patrons.

NOLS MISSION
Nurturing imagination, connection, and understanding, to improve lives and strengthen community.

Learn about NOLS’ values and core services.