Sequim Gazette staff

The North Olympic Library System is in the process of unloading some of its excess property.

 

Its board of trustees voted to sell a rental property at 402 E. Lauridsen Blvd. near the Port Angeles Library and a vacant lot adjacent to the Forks Library.

 

Paul Barnes, executive director, said the Clallam County Genealogical Society has offered $169,000 for the approximate 1,500-square-foot Port Angeles building and has entered escrow and a 60-day period for a feasibility study.

 

“Ever since the library has owned it, except for a short time when the library was in construction and we used it for storage, it’s been a rental,” Barnes said.

 

“The board felt we should be in the library business and not the rental business.”

 

Trustees found the Forks property was not being used even for its intended purpose of overflow parking. Barnes said they’ve listed the property for $19,000.

 

Tentatively, money from the Port Angeles property would help replace an existing storage building and go into capital reserves for future projects.

 

If the Forks property is sold, Barnes said she senses the board would want to use the funds to help with Forks Library’s roof replacement, expected to cost $775,000.

 

Barnes said NOLS is committed to $600,000 and community groups in Forks intend to earn the rest. The property would add to NOLS’ committed amount, she said.

 

NOLS enters the budget season with a public hearing 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, at the Port Angeles Library’s Raymond Carver Room, 2210 S. Peabody St., Port Angeles.

 

For more information on the properties or budget, call 417-8500 or visit www.nols.org.