Increase helps buy books, repair Forks branch

by MATTHEW NASH

Sequim Gazette

The North Olympic Library System’s board of trustees approved a $4.3 million budget for 2011 on Thursday, Nov. 18.

The budget increases spending for materials, training and technology at the four libraries including Sequim.

Paula Barnes, the library system’s executive director, said her goal is to have 10 employees hired and in place by the end of 2011, to increase hours the library is open.

“I frequently remind people who are eager to see changes at the library that although the voters approved an increase in the library’s levy last August, the increase is effective for property tax payments due in April and October of 2011,” Barnes said.

“NOLS won’t see any additional money until after the first half of property tax payments are received by (Clallam County) in April, and so the initiatives promised to the voters won’t begin to be rolled out until the second half of 2011.

“That’s why we made a big point of calling the business plan NOLS 2012,” she said.

“NOLS 2012” details budget plans for the next 10 years.

Clallam County voters approved a library system levy lid lift on Aug. 17, with the property tax of 33 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation rising to 50 cents on Jan. 1, 2011.

Levy funds help ensure funding for projects such as renovation of the Forks Library. In 2011, Sequim Library is budgeted for new landscaping.

Barnes said if Forks’ refurbished building is finished in 2012, then in 2013 trustees would budget for a needs assessment, site analysis and design development for expansion of the Sequim Library.

Save green

Trustees asked Barnes and staff what they are doing to continue to save money.

Barnes said they are emphasizing their “Go Green” campaign, where staff members encourage patrons to receive holds notifications via e-mail or phone.

This would save NOLS thousands of dollars in postage and letters for all patrons to switch.

“It’s one way patrons can really help,” Barnes said. “We’re always looking at ways to streamline costs.”

The campaign began in October and is ongoing.

For more information on the budget or “going green,” contact Paula Barnes at 417-8525 or at director@nols.org and the board of trustees at libraryboard@nols.org.

The trustees next meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.