North Olympic Library System staff and board trustees are exploring options to offer naming opportunities for elements of the planned remodel and expansion of the Sequim Library at 630 N. Sequim Ave.
Rooms, pieces of equipment and technological upgrades are some of the ideas being discussed for the approximate $7.8 million project that could add about 3,000-plus square feet to the library built in 1983.
NOLS executive director Noah Glaude said at the May 26 trustee’s meeting that staff anticipate rolling out naming options this summer at about the same time that SHKS Architects is scheduled to provide more refined designs of the renovation/expansion.
According to meeting documents, library staff are considering options for naming opportunities to help offset costs for the project. So far, NOLS has about $5.1 million — including $2 million from a Washington State Department of Commerce Library Capital Improvement Program Grant, $2 million from NOLS’ Capital Reserves, an estate donation, individual donations and other sources.
Current naming proposals could add up to about $1 million if fulfilled, but Glaude said last week they could bump values up if desired by trustees.
They’re also applying for multiple grants, he added.
“We’re trying to find the right balancing point with this community fundraising amount,” he said.
A few options discussed included:
• A monthly pledge for one year totaling $250
• Various amounts related to Sequim, i.e. lavender, elk, etc.
• Naming various rooms, such as the meeting room, conference room, outdoor stage, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, and more
Glaude said library staff plan to approach previous donors to the project to see if they desire naming opportunities.
For future sizable donations and naming opportunities, he said those would go before the board of trustees following updates to policies last year.
They’re considering a large plaque for all donors and individual plaques for each named space, he said.
Glaude said they’ve seen sizable donations in the community, such as the Dungeness River Nature Center expansion/remodel project.
“There are folks with money wanting to support causes,” he said. “Sometimes they’re waiting for the right reason and the library might be the right cause.”
Glaude said whether or not the board accepts a naming opportunity, is up to them, per “Policy 5.17 Naming and Recognition.”
They can also withdraw a named area, such as if a donor becomes controversial.
The police states: “Naming designations may be removed or altered where, in the judgment of the Board of Trustees, continuing identification with the recognized individual or organization would constitute a significant and continuing challenge to the reputation of the Library.”
More discussion on naming and donation opportunities is expected at the June 23 trustees’ meeting.
For more about the Sequim project, visit nols.org/sequimlibraryproject.
