Off the Shelf: Enjoy August programs with the library

Enjoy your summer days with free library programs happening throughout August.

Visit the library’s booth at the Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Sequim Civic Center Plaza, 152 W. Cedar St., to view architectural drawings of the Sequim Library Expansion and Renovation Project.

Participate in fun Kids Day activities while you’re there, including Storytime at the Farmers Market for little ones at 10:30 a.m. Youth Services Librarian Charlotte McGrew will be reading stories and sharing songs and rhymes with families and young children to support early literacy skills.

The library will partner with the YMCA of Sequim to offer a swimming party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug.10, at the YMCA faility at 610 N. Fifth Ave. Complete the waiver in advance at nols.org/swim and swim for free.

Starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 15, the Intentional Aging: Monthly Discussion Group offers a program about “Nutrition and Late-Life Depression.” Daniel Beery, a nutritional sciences graduate student at the University of Washington, will join the group to discuss how diet and lifestyle can affect mental health as we age. Register for the Zoom program at nols.org/intentional-aging.

Visit the Sequim Library at 6p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, for a poetry reading with Jaiden Dokken, Clallam County Poet Laureate. Dokken will share a selection of their poetry and read works by other poets.

Jaiden Dokken

Their own work is often reflective of growing up in Sequim and experiencing life on the North Olympic Peninsula. A reception follows the reading.

The library also offers recordings of programs available online anytime. “Find Your Voice through Journaling” was offered earlier this summer, with Marni Amsellem, Founder of Write. Reflect. Grow., providing an overview of journaling as a reflective practice for self-exploration and self-care.

The recording is available at nols.org/nols-recordings, along with many other interesting presentations.

Summer reading

There’s still time to take part in NOLS’ Summer Reading Program, which continues through Saturday, Aug. 26. Visit nols.org for more information about signing up online or in-person at the library.

All ages are encouraged to participate and everyone receives a free book for signing up.

Reading is a skill that takes practice and developing a daily reading habit helps maintain and improve reading skills. Whether you’re already a daily reader or haven’t picked up a book for years, the Library can help connect you to new titles and authors. Library staff love to help readers connect with books — including audiobooks on CD and downloadable eBooks.

Stop by the Sequim Library at 630 N. Sequim Ave. to browse the collection, ask staff for book recommendations or use the free public computers, Wi-Fi and printing.

For more information, visit nols.org or call 360-683-1161.

Emily Sly is Sequim Library branch manager.