NOLS eyes Sequim expansion, sets community discussion

A proposed expansion of the Sequim Library could go before voters this November depending on a special meeting of the North Olympic Library System’s trustees this week. They’ll convene for a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10, in the Sequim Library, 630 N. Sequim Ave., to consider asking Sequim-area voters to approve a Library Capital Facilities Area, or LCFA.

The special district, which entails most of the Sequim School District boundaries within Clallam County, could be established to ask residents to help support the expansion of the existing 6,050 square-feet library to about 17,000 square-feet through a bond measure.

Library staff estimates a new library would cost just over $12.4 million.

If trustees do decide to send the Library Capital Facilities Area to voters this year, Dan Gottlieb, a public finance lawyer, said at the trustees’ meeting on April 26, they’d also ask voters to approve a bond measure.

Library officials, along with SHKS Architects representatives, are hosting a community presentation at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at the Sequim Library, 630 N. Sequim Ave., to discuss a conceptual design of a recommended expansion of the facility.

The presentation includes a vision of the new library as created by library staff, SHKS Architects and a board of community members as they look to refurbish the library built in 1983.

Following the presentation from about 7-8 p.m., community members will have an opportunity to talk with architects and library staffers at a reception. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit www.nols.org or contact Library Director Margaret Jakubcin at 360-417-8500 x7714 or director@nols.org.