Off the Shelf: One card, endless possibilities
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, September 3, 2025
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and there is no better time to get your free library card. If you already have a card, invite a friend to join you in exploring all the library has to offer. Over the past year, nearly 1,700 people signed up for a new card at the Sequim Library, joining thousands of others who already enjoy access to books, news, music, movies, reliable databases and lifelong learning resources.
The American Library Association’s theme this year, “One Card, Endless Possibilities,” highlights how libraries support everyone, no matter your goals. Whether you’re starting school, learning a skill, or searching for your next great read, it all begins with a library card.
Librarian Charlotte McGrew has these recommendations for kids and families as we enter the new school year:
CultureGrams, a database featuring countries around the world, is a reference tool that gives insider perspectives on many cultures, including fun facts and recipes to try at home.
Gale in Context supports learning for elementary, middle school, high school and college learners. This online database offers full-text resources from periodicals and other sources while teaching research skills.
NOLS offers kits for checkout such as Civics Kits, which include 10 copies of the textbook “The State We’re In: Washington, Your Guide to State, Tribal, and Local Governments,” and a teacher’s guide for classrooms and homeschool groups. Find all kits at NOLS.org/kits.
Librarian Corrina Desmarais points out these benefits for lifelong learners:
Browse nonfiction books to explore new interests, from photography and painting to computer programming and cooking. “Make Thrift Mend,” by slow-fashion influencer Katrina Rodabaugh, is a comprehensive guide to building and keeping a wardrobe through thrift shopping or reinventing clothing you already have.
If you’re looking to connect with almost anyone, try “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection,” by Charles Duhigg. This book describes how supercommunicators recognize the complex emotions, subtle negotiations and hidden beliefs that inform everything we say.
For anyone who wants to pick up new job skills, use your library card to access LinkedIn Learning at NOLS.org/linkedin. Choose from nearly 25,000 courses in business, software, career development and more.
Another benefit is access to Wi-Fi, public computers and $2.50 in free printing each week at the library. Faxing and copying are available for a small fee.
New this month, choose from card designs created by our Library Card Art Contest winners. Daria Hunt (adult winner) created a watercolor painting of a gnome reading beneath a NOLS storybook. Finn Curran (teen winner) drew and painted an astronaut reading in space. Donovan Dahlquist (kids winner) drew a dinosaur returning an extremely overdue book. If you already have a card, you can swap it for a new design at no cost.
Library cards are always free and you can bring in your photo ID and proof of address to get started. Learn more at NOLS.org/card or ask at the library.
About Sequim Branch Library
The Sequim Library Temporary Location is at 609 W. Washington St. It is open Monday–Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also contact staff by phone at 360-683-1161 or email sequim@nols.org.
