She saw Sequim’s opening and jumped.

The North Olympic Library System named Keitha Owen, reference librarian at the Algona-Pacific Branch of the King County Library System, as the new Sequim branch manager. Owen should start in her new position May 12.

“It sounds really cliché but I love the Sequim area; it’s a good match for me,” Owen said. “I didn’t apply anywhere else because I wasn’t looking to leave my last job but found Sequim was hiring and decided to make a move to be where I wanted to be.”

An avid golfer, Owen plans on driving and putting the North Olympic Peninsula courses. She also enjoys hiking, bicycling and plant life as a certified Master Gardener through the Washington State University Extension program.

“Sequim is perfect for my lifestyle and I think I will fit into the Sequim library very comfortably with what experience I have,” she said. “Also, once I met the NOLS staff and got to know them, I knew I would fit into the entire library system as well.”

Prior to working at the Algona-Pacific Branch, Owen was managing librarian for King County’s North Bend and Snoqualmie branches and was assistant managing librarian for the Fairwood Branch. She has a master’s degree in library science from the University of Washington.

Owen said she’s received an update on plans for improving the Sequim branch and is ready to jump into the process, be it a branch expansion or a building renovation.

“I have experience in opening two new libraries, like how the work flow will move, the organization and training staff,” Owen said. “So no matter which direction the library system takes on Sequim branch improvements, I’m ready to make sure the resources are utilized.”

Owen puts a lot of stock into making a library welcoming, which involves active participation with her staff and the library friends organizations.

“I plan on treating the Friends of the Sequim Library like another staff member, someone I will listen to and take what they say to heart,” she said. “They are the connection to the outside world and are an important link for library operations.”

Owen is succeeding former Sequim branch manager Jola Nicola after her retirement in October. Nicola was with the Sequim branch for 23 years.

For more information about the Sequim branch and the North Olympic Library System, go to www.nols.org.