Thursday, October 1, 2026
Dozens of Timberland Regional Library employees have been notified they will lose their jobs in spring amid a budget crisis that is reshaping the organization.
Layoff notices were delivered to 44 employees of the regional library system on Sunday, March 15. Another 17 employees took a voluntary layoff option, said the regional library system in an announcement about the layoffs on Monday, March 16.
The cutting of 44 people, which goes into effect on May 15, was brought on by the organization failing to meet 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.
“Our goal throughout this process has been to find a sustainable path forward while maintaining our commitment to the communities we serve,” said TRL Executive Director Cheryl Heywood in a statement on March 16.
“Some things may look different in the months ahead, but we know how important it is for patrons to see familiar staff and continue accessing the services they rely on, and this plan was developed with that in mind.”
The layoffs drew a swift response from AFSCME Local 3758-B, which represents TRL workers being laid off. The union called for accountability in budget decision-making and forecasting from library directors.
“As a union familiar with public agency operations, especially library budgets, we are deeply concerned about how Timberland has managed its budget,” said AFSCME Council 2 Executive Director Michael Rainey in a statement on March 16.
The union referred to the workers as “frontline” staff, who work at library branches as library assistants, librarians and public services specialists. All told, the elimination of 61 positions equates to more than 38 percent of all frontline staff.
“Our union members are proud to serve the public. We serve our local communities and provide safe spaces for all community members to learn, use technology, and engage with literacy,” said Local 3758-B President Meghan Hall in a statement on March 16.
“Losing so many dedicated library workers to layoffs is heartbreaking. It is inconceivable that frontline library workers bear the brunt of these costs.”
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Cheryl Heywood's name and a reference to Timberland Regional Library.
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vloveland
It is important to note that other library systems have similar budgeting demands, such as King county. They do NOT layoff frontline workers while giving themselves exorbitant raises! King county library programs are thriving!
I call for the immediate removal of Cheryl Heywood and her extractionist co-horts!
People who suck the system dry do not deserve any job, let alone the stewardship of our libraries.
We must stop the hemorrhaging and apply Triage to TRL — Stat!
Tuesday, March 17 Report this
cappers
We agree with VLoveland.
And furthermore,The Board of Trustees have a very high salary.
Why can't they take a pay cut to prevent our valuable library staff from losing their jobs?
Methinks they don't use the library so don't have a clue how our librarians and other library staff are so important to us.
Something is wrong with this picture.
Wednesday, March 18 Report this
Boatyarddog
Shameful behavior by Timberland Libraries.
The Top earners should refuse raises to continue services and Needed employees.
Wednesday, March 18 Report this
wellnow77
Very irresponsible of management! Cut the budget, but not frontline staff!!
Wednesday, March 18 Report this
JoyceM
Here is a web page that explains more about the budget deficit and salary increases for management. (btw - Board of Trustees are not paid). https://trl.org/faq/funding-budget/
Wednesday, March 18 Report this
TheVirtualOne
Lots of misinformation being spread here by those leaving comments. The reality is libraries are no longer being utilized like they once were, say 25-30 years ago. The internet has become the go to place for students who want to research almost any topic. It’s an unfortunate thing, but kinda the same thing Amazon has done to brick and mortar stores. People in the library business are going to have to learn to adapt.
Wednesday, March 18 Report this
CrabbyWill
Every time I'm in either the Lacey or Olympia libraries, they are very busy, and I'm in them a lot. TheVirtualOne has obviously not stepped foot in a Library in some time or see's Library's as a waste of money. It's not just student's that use a public library but people from all walks of life. We like our library's here and the services that they provide.
Thursday, March 19 Report this
libster
@cappers the board of trustees are volunteers, they do not get paid.
@CrabbyWill exactly! Libraries are not what they were 20 years ago.
Thursday, March 19 Report this
Connie
I love the library in Olympia and I use it frequently for fiction and nonfiction reading.
Because the problem stated in the article is “expenses exceeded revenue” I really doubt that management/administration understand a budget! How did the Board of Trustees not see this coming? With a shortfall of $3.5 million the problem should have been obvious a longtime ago. This is incompetence and mismanagement of our tax dollars.
We must keep the libraries open and our taxes must be used responsibly.
Thursday, March 19 Report this
TheVirtualOne
CrabbyWill - You’re mixed up. I use the library often, enjoy it, and support it. I know the library serves many different types of people other than students. What you are failing to acknowledge is that the world has changed and libraries have not necessarily changed along with it. My point is that there needs to be a reality check here if the library system is going to make it. Perhaps some new leadership is in order if the library is to be saved. Maybe this reduction in staffing is part of right sizing and needs to happen. Change is hard, but necessary. Our state and federal government could use a lot of right sizing now versus wasting taxpayer money like it does.
Friday, March 20 Report this
TyraLindquist
Please continue to investigate and report on this! It's one of the most important stories evolving in Olympia (and the region for that matter) right now. Healthy libraries define and sustain healthy communities. We have to fix ours!
Monday, March 30 Report this