At a time when libraries are already under attack, AFSCME 3758-B strongly opposes additional cuts to library staffing and calls for an independent investigation into the cause of TRL’s budget crisis
Tumwater, WA — Last week, management at Timberland Regional Library (TRL) made a stunning announcement–a 3.5 million dollar deficit had been discovered in the budget, and in addition TRL was no longer able to meet their required 30% reserve in the 2026 budget’s beginning general fund balance. And to address this shortfall, Executive Director Cheryl Heywood announced a series of cost-cutting measures, including a drastic cut to the budget for new library materials and a sudden massive reduction in frontline staffing through layoffs, which may potentially lead to many library buildings operating without staff in the near future.
But what frustrates library workers is that, only a few months ago, TRL’s administration claimed the budget was in good health. TRL’s Board of Trustees must have believed those assurances when they approved the 2026 budget on December 30th, since they approved 15% budgeted increases for the two top administrators below the Director, as compared to the 2025 budget. The library’s own budget and funding FAQs do not provide clear or full context or explanation for decisions like this which were made when preparing the 2026 numbers. And now, TRL is facing an immediate budget shortfall, a predicted additional shortfall, and layoff notices that will be sent out by the end of this month. This reckless plan has the potential to devastate library services for hundreds of thousands of people in our region, and it is a clear indication that TRL’s administration is not in any way equipped to address this budget crisis.