NOLS expands services, offers computer usage

By Sequim Gazette Staff • March 27, 2021 1:30 am
Computers at the Sequim Library are not yet available for use, though library patrons can use computers at Port Angeles, Clallam Bay and Forks branch libraries, in addition to Grab and Go Browsing, holds pickup and copier services during limited in-library service hours. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell

Libraries on the Olympic Peninsula are once again offering public use of computers — except for Sequim’s branch.

North Olympic Library System (NOLS) announced this week the libraries have opened up limited use of publicly accessed computers at Port Angeles, Forks and Clallam Bay branches, but are not yet ready for public computer use at the close confines of Sequim’s branch at 630 N. Sequim Ave.

In-library services — Grab and Go Browsing, holds pickup and copier use— are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays in Sequim, Port Angeles and Forks (in Clallam Bay, service are available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.).

Public computer sessions are limited to 30 minutes per day.

Grab and Go Browsing is limited to 15 minutes at the Sequim branch, and 30 minutes in Port Angeles, Forks and Clallam Bay.

Following updated guidance from the “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery “plan, NOLS can offer limited in-library service up to 50 percent occupancy during Phase 3, up from 25 percent in Phase 2.

Curbside service will remain the primary mode of service, NOLS officials said.

Masks are required for anyone entering NOLS facilities, while curbside library service is available for patrons who are unable to wear a mask due to the exemptions listed in the Washington State Mask Mandate.

Wi-Fi is available 24/7 in all NOLS branch parking lots, and laptops are available for checkout, to be used outside NOLS facilities. Patrons can continue to use free curbside printing by using the online form at nols.org/printing.

NOLS will continue to prioritize patron and staff safety during the pandemic, following public health guidelines closely.

Additional services will be rolled out carefully as local conditions, staffing and space in each library branch allows, NOLS officials said.

Curbside service hours at the Sequim branch are: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Curbside service hours at the Port Angeles and Forks branches are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays.

At Clallam Bay, curbside hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wendesdays, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.

For more information about the library system’s COVID-19 response and services currently being offered, visit nols.org/covid-19, call 360-417-8500 or email to discover@nols.org.