Thursday, October 1, 2026
The search is on for an interim executive director of the financially troubled Timberland Regional Library (TRL).
The process got underway after the TRL Board of Trustees approved an updated job description and passed a motion to set a salary range for the position at a special meeting on Monday, April 6.
A schedule calls for an initial consideration of applications received by noon on Friday, April 10, with virtual interviews tentatively planned for Saturday, April 18, said the organization in an update on Tuesday, April 7.
The process of selecting an interim executive comes on the heels of the resignation of former executive director Cheryl Heywood, whose resignation was accepted at a business meeting on March 25.
As a result, the board approved a motion to release Heywood from her duties and place her on paid administrative leave through June 30, said the organization in an update on March 27.
The decision was consistent with a paid 90-day notice that would have been required had the board voted to terminate her employment.
Heywood resigned in the midst of a budget crisis that is reshaping the organization.
Layoff notices were sent out to 44 employees of the regional library on Sunday, March 15. Another 17 employees took a voluntary layoff option, said the regional library system in an update on March 16.
The cutting of 44 people, which goes into effect on May 15, was brought on by the organization failing to meet a fiscal responsibility policy for the regional library, which serves Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties through 29 libraries, mobile service and online resources.
That fiscal policy calls for the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) to have 30 percent of expected revenues in a fiscal year budget’s beginning general fund balance, something that did not happen at the start of 2026 largely because expenses exceeded revenues from property taxes. As a result, the organization is facing a $3.5 million deficit that it must close.
The regional library disclosed the budget problems earlier this year. That led to organizational changes and operational adjustments, but it was not enough to right its financial position.
The possibility of layoffs became a reality when the TRL Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a workforce reduction plan at a virtual meeting on Feb. 25. The layoff plan came forth following discussions between union representatives and negotiators from the regional library.
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HappyOlympian
March 25th, day of Heywood's resignation, also the day that the Sauron's One Ring destroyed, although Sauron did not get any pay or benefits and a comfy, long-overdue retirement.
Saturday, April 11 Report this
Boatyarddog
Disgusting, just like the Port of Olympia, golden Parachutes for Bad Actors.
Sunday, April 12 Report this
Mugwump
It appears, from the outside at least, that this board failed in its primary responsibility, oversight. Perhaps the board should be next to go?
Monday, April 13 Report this