PORT ANGELES — North Olympic Library System director plans to retire next summer.
Margaret Jakubcin confirmed her retirement timeline with the library system’s board and then notified library staff in individual meetings and in an email sent earlier this month.
North Olympic Library System oversees public libraries in Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks and Clallam Bay.
“My 13-year journey with NOLS has been a remarkable adventure, full of many personal and professional satisfactions, as well as some painful defeats,” Jakubcin, 59, said in a press release.
“I am proud to have been a part of this organization’s growth and transformation, and honored to have served alongside NOLS’ hardworking, creative, and caring staff.”
Jakubcin said she plans an “active retirement” with more time to pursue personal and family interests.
NOLS will conduct a nationwide recruitment to select the next library director, the release said, adding that the board is developing a recruitment plan with the hope of naming a new director by June.
Jakubcin has been in a position of leadership at NOLS since 2007. Hired as the assistant director in September 2007, she was promoted to the position of library director July 2014.
Prior to moving to Clallam County, Jakubcin worked for public library systems serving other rural communities in both Washington and Oregon.
“Margaret has been an outstanding library director,” said long-time NOLS trustee Betty Gordon.
“Her commitment to the core philosophies of the public library has shaped the vision that has moved the library forward, and her skilled management, high energy, and hard work have combined to guide NOLS on a continuing upward trajectory. Margaret’s leadership has provided just what NOLS’ outstanding staff has needed to thrive and accomplish the incredible work they do.”
Some of the initiatives that have progressed under Jakubcin’s leadership have included development of an expansive array of services and program opportunities, including extensive Summer Reading Program offerings, Community Read events, the Art in the Library program, DIY, tech and skills training classes, and numerous author and musical events, as well as Tiny Olympic Libraries and Read and Ride collections, according to the release.
Collections have been expanded to include more digital resources, as well as non-traditional collections like the Seed Library, and circulating “NOLS gear” items such as telescopes, birding kits, and musical instruments, the release said.
