Sequim – North Olympic Library System (NOLS) officials announced last week that no local property taxes were used to build the new Sequim Library. Construction was funded primarily through timber revenue from State Forest trust lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which supports local services like libraries, hospitals and schools.
NOLS combined timber revenue with state grants, generous donations and a low-interest state loan to build the new Sequim Library facility.
NOLS Executive Director Noah Glaude said recently that when the 2018 library bond measure for a new Sequim Library failed by just 1% of the vote, it was disheartening, but the non-tax timber revenue made it possible to move forward and build a slightly scaled-down version of the original design.
In total, a little over $9 million in timber revenue will help fund the $10.7 million project plus financing costs.
From the 2024 groundbreaking through completion in 2026, timber revenue is projected to fund an additional $1 million in construction costs, and another $6 million in future timber revenue is designated to repay a 20-year low interest loan from the state.
Community members also gave over $1.5 million to the project.
Manufacturing and supply chain challenges for specially fabricated parts have delayed the library’s opening to 2026, which has not been announced, but the temporary location at 609 W. Washington St. remains fully operational.
For construction updates and a photo slideshow, visit NOLS.org/construction.