Friends group donates $150k to library expansion

By Matthew Nash • August 2, 2023 1:30 am
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash Members of Friends of Sequim Library donate $150,000 on July 26 to the capital fund for the expansion and renovation of the Sequim Library project.
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash Members of Friends of Sequim Library donate $150,000 on July 26 to the capital fund for the expansion and renovation of the Sequim Library project.

Consider the Friends of Sequim Library officially behind the renovation and expansion project of the Sequim Library.

Group members gathered on July 26 to donate $150,000 for the project’s capital campaign to North Olympic Library System executive director Noah Glaude and Sequim branch manager Emily Sly.

Library officials said the estimated $9.23 million project will add about 3,500 square feet to the existing 1983 building while updating the entire inside.

NOLS staff said they have about $5.13 million for the project, and they will pursue non-voted general tax obligation bonds for the remaining costs once a request for construction bids is done. (Learn more about or donate to the capital campaign at nols.org/sequim.)

Friends of Sequim Library unanimously approved the donation at their annual meeting on July 18 at Pioneer Memorial Park.

Sly was at the meeting and said the donation “will really help this project along.”

Lin Norris, the group’s treasurer, said that Judith Gates bequeathed more than $113,000 to the group in 2022, which allowed them the opportunity to make the donation to NOLS’ project.

The Friends group also helped with a 2009 library remodel project with a $150,000 donation.

Annually, the Friends of Sequim Library makes a donation to the library based on a request for programming, with funds largely coming from their monthly book sales. They gave the library $25,000 in 2022 for this year’s programs.

Formerly, the Friends of Sequim Library accepted donations and held monthly sales behind the library in their own building, but with the site slated for construction they moved into a location in Rock Plaza.

To volunteer or drop off donations, visit Rock Plaza at 10175 Old Olympic Highway from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and Wednesdays, except the Wednesday before a sale. The next sale is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, August 12.

New board elected

Following the passing of their former president Liz Phelps in May, group members chose to meet and decide next steps. They hadn’t held an annual meeting since March 2020.

At the July 18 meeting the elected George Norris as president; Karen Short, vice-president; Kat Huelskamp, secretary; Lin Norris, treasurer; and members at large Pam Carter, Barbara Erler, Marion Rutledge, Rick Yates, and Margaret Yates.

For more about Friends of Sequim Library, visit sites.google.com/site/friendsofsequimlibrary.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Newly elected board members for the Friends of Sequim Library on July 18, include, from left, Kat Huelskamp, secretary; Karen Short, vice president; Pam Carter, member at large; Barbara Erler, member at large; Marion Rutledge, member at large; Margaret Yates, member at large; Rick Yates, member at large; Lin Norris, treasurer, and George Norris, president.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Newly elected board members for the Friends of Sequim Library on July 18, include, from left, Kat Huelskamp, secretary; Karen Short, vice president; Pam Carter, member at large; Barbara Erler, member at large; Marion Rutledge, member at large; Margaret Yates, member at large; Rick Yates, member at large; Lin Norris, treasurer, and George Norris, president.