SEQUIM — The Sequim Library Expansion and Renovation Project recently received three large donations.
Spaces and features in the soon-to-be renovated library at 630 N. Sequim Ave., will be named to acknowledge a $211,967 bequest from Dorothy DeLand, an $80,000 grant from the Benjamin N. Phillips Memorial Fund, and a $150,000 donation from the Friends of Sequim Library.
Construction for the project will begin in 2024. Nearly 10,000 square feet when complete, the expanded building will include ADA-accessible bathrooms, a fire-sprinkler system, increased space for collections, improved community access to broadband and computers, new study and conference rooms, adequate staff space, and more room for educational, cultural and civic events.
The North Olympic Library System trustees approved three resolutions recognizing the donations on Dec. 12.
Dorothy DeLand, a kindergarten teacher, bequeathed nearly $212,000 to the Sequim Library. (Photo courtesy of North Olympic Library System)
Through discussions with her family after her death in 2021, it was agreed that naming the new outdoor play area in her memory would be appropriate in recognition of the gift she left the library and community.
Between 2022 and 2023, the Library received $211,967 as a beneficiary of the DeLand Family Trust at Dorothy’s bequest.
A tree in the outdoor play area also will be planted in DeLand’s memory.
The new children’s area in the renovated library will be named for the Friends of Sequim Library, in recognition of the group’s support. The Friends of Sequim Library made a gift of $150,000 to the project in July 2023, and donated an additional $50,000 over the last two years to support programming at the Sequim Library.
In January 2023, the Benjamin N. Phillips Memorial Fund awarded NOLS an $80,000 grant which is being used to support LEED Silver certification.
In addition to the Sequim Library building and mechanical systems becoming much more energy efficient, the facility will have a new solar array, landscape with native plants, filter all storm water on-site and use other sustainable design features. Based on NOLS’ current calculations, the renovated Sequim Library will use 93 percent less energy than the current building.
The Sequim Library has received over $3.5 million in donations and grants towards the project so far. In addition to the three gifts highlighted above, NOLS received over $106,000 in donations toward the project from over 81 individual donors in 2023 alone.
Donations of $250 or higher will be recognized on a donor wall in the building. Naming opportunities exist for donations of $50,000 or more.
Those interested in contributing to the project can learn more at nols.org/sequim.
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Michael Dashiell is the editor of the Sequim Gazette of the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which also is composed of other Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News and Forks Forum. Reach him at editor@sequimgazette.com.
