Olympia and Lacey Timberland library buildings, refreshed during closures, have reopened

Timberland Regional Library is open and welcoming patrons to visit their local library to see the improvements and take advantage of the extensive materials, resources and services available.

Timberland Regional Library (TRL) branches reopened their doors and staff are inviting the community to visit to enjoy all the amenities the library district offers, said Timberland Regional Library Deputy Director Kendra Jones.

 “We understand how important our services are for many of our patrons,” Jones said. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome people back to the library and continue serving our community.”

• Olympia hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Lacey hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tumwater hours are Monday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

During the closure, TRL continued to offer programs and services online while staff worked to improve facilities, Jones said.

“We want everyone in our communities to visit their library to see the exciting changes that have taken place,” Jones said.

Branches that have been refreshed include Olympia, Lacey, Tenino, Winlock, Raymond, Montesano and the North Mason branch in Belfair. Changes include new carpet, furniture, painting, shelving, signage and layout. More library improvements are expected to take place over the next few years.

New West Olympia branch

In addition to the refreshes, a new West Olympia branch opened June 1, 2021, in Capital Mall and a new branch is planned to open soon in the Hawks Prairie area of Lacey, Jones said.

• West Olympia is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Now that TRL branches have reopened their doors, in-person services have recommenced, Jones said.

Services and resources offered by the Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater libraries include browsing, holds pickup and self-checkout. Olympia also offers the ability to copy, scan, fax and print. Computer use is available via walkup and reservation, and instructions for reservation can be found at TRL.org.

West Olympia library offers the newest and most in-demand books and movies, unique services such as Vox books, two-in-one audio and print books, and quick computer reservations, printing services and free WI-FI.

Online services offered by TRL will continue, as well, Jones said. Those services include online programming via Zoom, virtual browsing, online classes and access to reference databases.

“It is extremely important to TRL that we serve as many people in our community as possible,” Jones said. “We don’t want anyone to be unable to access the resources we offer.”

Other services offered

Other services offered by TRL include meeting room reservations, Library Takeout and volunteering as a Friend of the Library. Patrons must contact their local library to learn more about these services.

Fully vaccinated patrons who are age 12 and older can enter branch locations without a mask. Masks are required for unvaccinated patrons who are age 5 and older. Children ages 2-4 are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.

Taniah Najih is Operations Coordinator for Timberland Regional Library.  For more information visit trl.org or your local branch.