Values
As LEADERS we will:
- Act with integrity.
- Promote visionary thinking.
- Inspire resilience.
As a TEAM we will:
- Communicate with transparency and respect.
- Be flexible, responsive, helpful, and accountable.
- Address issues thoughtfully and proactively.
As PARTNERS we will:
- Collaborate inclusively.
- Invite diverse perspectives.
- Listen, consider, and seek common ground.
As CHAMPIONS for Literacy and Learning we will:
- Ignite curiosity.
- Demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Keep service and accessibility at the heart of what we do.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge our presence on the traditional and contemporary homelands of the Chemakum, S’Klallam, Skokomish, and Snohomish peoples.
We will work with all local tribes to preserve and restore historical truths and ancestral wisdom for future generations.
May we learn from one another’s stories and foster strong relationships with all who share this land.
Educational Resources
An educational walking and biking path dedicated to S’Klallam history located in Port Townsend.
The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe (StətíɬəmNəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm̕), based near Sequim.
The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe (NəxʷqíytNəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm̕):
Includes the Twana Language Project.
(ʔéʔɬx̣ʷaʔNəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm̕), near Port Angeles.
The Snohomish Tribe of Indians
Puget Sound, north of Seattle and south of Whidbey Island in what is now Edmonds.
Pacific coastline, near La Push, and the Hoh Tribe (Chalá·at), near Forks. (The Quileute and Hoh are related to the Chemakum, who sought shelter in S’Klallam territory after a massive flood.
Dedicated to Coast Salish landscapes, archaeology, and oral histories of the Olympic Peninsula.
The Jefferson County Rural Library District was created on November 7, 1978, receiving a majority vote in the general election. It was established as a Junior Taxing District authorized by law to establish, develop, and maintain library services in Jefferson County.
The Board of Trustees was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners with initial terms of five, four, three, two, and one years. The first meeting was held on April 19, 1979 with B.G. Brown, County Commissioner, presiding.
During 1979, operating funds for the Library were provided by the County through Revenue Sharing. In 1980 the Trustees set the original budget for collection from tax revenues at $205,000 with a levy rate of .3987 per thousand dollar evaluation.
Facilities progressed from a small room in the Port Townsend Library to a portable classroom on the Chimacum School Campus, to a rented facility in Port Hadlock, and finally to the present site of the Jefferson County Library building in Port Hadlock. The Port Hadlock building was dedicated in April 1985. Funds for construction came from timber revenues and property tax revenues saved and invested for the building project.
In 1991, voters approved a one-year excess levy to enlarge the facility to 11,000 square feet. The addition was dedicated in January 1992. In 2012, the library remodeled its facility and added 340 square feet for a new total of 11,340. The project was funded by Library reserves and private donations. A stand alone garage was built, with help from the East Jefferson Rotary Club, at the west end of the property to house the bookmobile. The remodel was dedicated in June 2013.
The District operates a Bookmobile Service throughout the east side of the County. Service for the west end residents of Jefferson County is provided through a reciprocal agreement with Timberland Regional Library System and a contract agreement with North Olympic Library System.