Across the five counties served by Timberland Regional Library, approximately 65,000 people live in poverty. These counties (Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston) work together to provide a variety of services to support their low-income community members, but resources are stretched thin, especially post-pandemic. Libraries can help fill the gap, sometimes in partnership with other agencies, sometimes with the support of local community members, and sometimes completely on their own, providing services and information to help meet those needs.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services describes five areas of school readiness for children ages birth to five: Approaches to learning, social and emotional development, language and literacy development, perceptual, motor, and physical development, and cognition. Children from low-income households often “lack the books, sing-along toys, interactive games, and other early learning materials that support a child’s healthy growth and development.” Timberland Regional Library staff design all early learning programs to include elements and activities from those five areas of school readiness. All Timberland Libraries offer early learning programs, in the library itself and out in the community, for those who find it difficult to make to the library. TRL has also taken steps to ensure that library fees do not create barriers to kids’ learning by removing all late fines from all materials and removing lost item charges for picture and early literacy books. Additionally, the library provides enrollment resources for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, allowing caregivers to receive one free book each month for each child from birth until age five.
Stories from Mason County TRL Staff:
"Last Saturday, a mother and child spent most of the day in the library's children's section. Throughout the day staff had several brief but pleasant conversations with her as the child spent the day playing, and interacting with other kids. As the day came to a close the mother approached us feeling comfortable enough to ask if we knew of a place where she could park her car overnight. After hearing their situation, we reached out to Crossroads Housing, but no luck. We also looked into the possibility of the local State Park, but since it was already after dusk, it was too late for that option. We gave her a few suggestions for safe parking spots, a list of resources available in Mason County, and some granola bars donated by The Youth Connection. While we did our best to assist them in the moment, we of course left feeling concerned and hope she and her child are okay."
"A woman who had just begun attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings realized she could hang out in the library all day and thereby avoid her drug-using acquaintances and thereby maintain her sobriety. Every year she makes a point of coming to the library to tell me that she has another year of being clean. A couple of years ago she told me she could not have done it without the library, because it was literally the only safe place she could exist during the day."
From Pacific County TRL Staff:
"Recently we had a patron coming in frequently who is unhoused and he'd come in here to read, charge his devices and stay warm etc... He got a job then lost it once they realized he was homeless (they handed him a bag of warm clothes and said his services were no longer needed). Whenever he came in I'd ask how he was and chat with him a little. He told me how nice it was to just be treated as a human. He got into a shelter in a different town and is now visiting the TRL branch there."
Lewis County TRL Staff:
"We had a disabled gentleman who was unhoused and would spend most of each day in the library He used library restrooms, charged his devices, and stayed warm and dry in the library for many months. Eventually, his request for housing made it through the waiting list, and we were able to help him with receiving, signing and faxing a bunch of paperwork to finalize his housing. Soon after that, we stopped seeing him anymore, because he had his own safe home to spend his time in!"
“Since 2023 Lewis County branches have had a wonderful partnership with Valley View Health Center. They've been coordinating volunteers to assemble hygiene kits for patrons in need, which we make available at all 6 Lewis County branches. These kits have evolved over time, they've been very responsive to requests from staff and from the patrons using them. Examples of items included: rain ponchos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, body wipes, warm hats, and more. They've also been providing us with menstrual supply kits and ample warm socks to distribute. There has been a huge demand for these supplies, patrons have been extremely grateful to have these items available and Valley View has had a difficult time keeping us stocked up!”
These stories illustrate of the importance of a place where community members may linger without buying something or paying a fee. Timberland Regional Libraries, like most public libraries, do not require library visitors have cards in order to enjoy the amenities inside the library. For unhoused patrons, a warm, dry, safe place with restrooms and things to do can be difficult to come by, unless there's a library in town. By partnering with non-profits and other agencies, libraries can also provide hygiene kits, snacks, water, and information about services to help find housing and other essentials. For services that require a card, a TRL Basic card allows for individuals with no fixed address to use computers, print, and borrow materials.
"A patron came in yesterday for help printing some legal documents. Our conversation revealed her online-bullying crisis, job loss and need for mental health support. I got her information for our area crisis center and domestic violence assistance. Today she is moving forward, has an advocate and a job offer!" - Pacific County TRL Staff Member
"A woman who did not own a computer and could not afford one did all the class work for an online AA degree using library computers. That degree allowed her to get a job that she considered to be a step up from the job she already had that she hated. Her joy when she told me made me happy for a week." - Mason County TRL Staff Member
"We have been helping a really sweet regular patron at our branch. He used one of our Chromebooks to do his job interview with the hospital right here in the library, and the next day he let us know we wouldn't be seeing much of him anymore because he got the job! He's coming in this weekend to have staff help him figure out how to end his unemployment benefits. The end of an era and a great result all around." - Thurston County TRL Staff Member
"I've been using the library since I was 11, and now as an adult I'm so thankful for the ability to use the technology inside the library. I don’t have a computer or Internet at home, so I use the library computers to apply for jobs. You can also print off of your phone. The library makes it very quick and easy.” - Grays Harbor Library Patron
For many people, especially the working poor, a job loss may push a family over the edge into financial crisis or even homelessness. Even those fortunate enough to maintain their living situations may find themselves cutting back on services like Internet at home. Almost every job application these days is online, and while there are good programs out there to allow low-income folks to get smart phones, trying to write a resume on one is not particularly easy.
The library provides desktop computers with high-speed Internet and Microsoft Office programs installed, as well as a number of online resources providing free courses on creating resumes, cover letters, and skill-building for a variety of careers. Library staff provide technology assistance to community members filing for unemployment, discovering benefits they didn't realize they qualified for, and searching for financial and other types of aid.
All TRL libraries provide free wi-fi (no card needed) at library locations during open hours, and most locations also provide wi-fi that extends into the parking lot for after-hours use. Libraries also provide a variety of free programs covering topics like how to sign up for Medicare or low-income insurance programs, how to obtain free or low-cost legal aid, how to find quality elder care, and so much more. Check out TRL's Calendar of Events to find programs at your nearest library.
The stories and services described above are just a few of the many resources available at your local Timberland Regional Library. People living, working, or going to school in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties, no matter your income, are encouraged to visit your local library, sign up for a library card, and see how the library can help.
This book list highlights powerful works that explore poverty, inequality, and social justice, raising awareness for National Poverty Awareness Month. Featuring stories that illuminate the experiences of those affected by poverty, these books offer diverse perspectives, from personal memoirs to insightful nonfiction, as well as fictional narratives that challenge societal norms. Whether through heart-wrenching accounts, historical analysis, or calls to action, these titles inspire readers to reflect on the impact of poverty and advocate for change.
This book list for teens highlights powerful stories that explore poverty, inequality, and social justice, raising awareness for National Poverty Awareness Month. Featuring both fiction and nonfiction, these books offer diverse perspectives on the challenges faced by those living in poverty. From personal accounts to thought-provoking narratives, these titles inspire young readers to reflect on the impact of poverty and encourage them to think critically about ways to make a difference in their communities.
This book list for adults features thought-provoking works that explore poverty, inequality, and social justice, in honor of National Poverty Awareness Month. With a mix of fiction and nonfiction, these books offer deep insights into the lived experiences of those affected by poverty, as well as the systemic issues that perpetuate it. Through compelling narratives and critical analyses, these titles encourage readers to reflect on the impact of poverty and consider ways to foster change in their communities.
