Pepper Fisher
PORT ANGELES – Your North Olympic Library System is making some changes to improve their curbside service model in anticipation of Fall’s colder, damper weather.
Library Director Noah Glaude says the NOLS Board of Trustees approved an amended capital budget in September to fund upgrades that will make things easier for customers and librarians.
“At our Forks branch, which is an old bank building, there’s an old drive-thru window which we’re converting back, so people will be able to just drive through that lane, and we’re looking at something similar in Port Angeles. The Carver room has a large window that faces out front and we’re getting a sliding window installed there. It makes it so there’s just a single point of service, so we can’t help as many people at once, but we think if we’re doing this when there’s a lot more rain, (and who knows how long it will go on?), we’re just prepared.”
The layout at Clallam Bay already allows for covered, drive-up service, but the Sequim branch has special challenges. Glaude says they have a plan for those customers, too.
“Sequim Branch, we got two structures. They’re basically carport-type structures that we will be putting off the front of the Sequim branch. And so patrons that are waiting to use the curbside service and the staff that are outside are protected from the rain. And we’re expecting them I think by the end of this week, and then we’ll get them set up probably on a weekend.”
NOLS also extended hours of service at all branches as of October 1. All branches are now open 10-6 Monday and Wednesday, 10-4 Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and Saturdays 10-4 in Sequim, PA and Forks.
And finally, service for homebound patrons is back. Library staff can deliver books and other materials to your home, if you are unable to come to the library due to age, illness, or disability. The free service is available on a long-term or short-term basis. For more information, call 417-8500 and enter extension 7708 or visit nols.org/homebound-people.