Tough economic times mean busier NOLS libraries

The 2008 statistics are in, and use of the NOLS libraries in Port Angeles, Clallam Bay, Forks and Sequim is up by 10% over 2007. The economic crisis is making people more careful with their money, and this means more people are checking out more books, DVDs and other materials. They're checking out books instead of buying them, and borrowing DVDs instead of renting them from the video store, or using online subscription services. More people are cancelling their broadband services and using the public computers in the libraries, or bringing their own wireless devices to the library to use the free WiFi network. And more people are turning to the library's resources for resume writing, job hunting, strengthening small businesses, avoiding foreclosure, and other topics. You'll be seeing your library respond to community needs in other ways over the coming year: with guest speakers and other programs to help you cope in these challenging times. If you have ideas for how the Library can help, please email Director@nols.org.

Library Board to seek community input

Due to rising operating costs and the 1% budget growth limitation required by Washington state law, the Library system will face substantial service reductions in another 2 years, unless the Library's property tax levy rate is increased. The Library Board of Trustees has been weighing the options, and they plan a "listening tour" during the summer and fall of 2009, to present some possible alternatives and get community feedback before deciding on next steps. Would you like to be on a mailing list to be part of the Library Board's discussion about the future of the Library? Just send an email to Director@nols.org and your name will be added to the list. You'll be notified of upcoming meetings and other opportunities to share your views.