During their regular business meeting on March 25, the Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Executive Director Cheryl Heywood. While her resignation was voluntary, the board approved a motion to release Heywood from her duties and place her on paid administrative leave through June 30, consistent with the 90-day paid notice that would have been required had the board voted to terminate her employment.
“On behalf of the board, I want to acknowledge Cheryl Heywood’s decades of service to Timberland Regional Library,” Board of Trustees President Brian Mittge said. “We are moving forward to address the challenges facing TRL. We thank the public and patrons for their dedication and support for their local libraries and the Timberland Regional Library system.”
In a message to library staff the following day, President Elect Dustin Loup shared that the trustees are “focused on ensuring continuity, stability, and clear communication as we move through this leadership transition and continue to address our budget situation. We want to take this opportunity to recognize the extraordinary work that staff across TRL continue to do every day for patrons and communities. We know this has been a hard period, and we are grateful for your dedication, passion, and continued service."
The board will meet on Monday, March 30, at 5:00 PM via Zoom to discuss interim leadership while the process for selecting a new Executive Director advances.
The remainder of the meeting included discussion of a new Financial Transparency and Planning Policy recently brought forward by the Policy Committee with the goal of assisting the trustees in making informed decisions regarding budgeting and long-term financial stability. Additionally, the Board expressed collective interest in exploring increased revenue through the pursuit of a levy lid lift to take place as soon as the fall of 2026.
"We know there is uncertainty right now about the path ahead, how leadership is going to look in the upcoming weeks and months, and the process for managing the transition. What we can be sure of, however, is that we are connected by our mission to bring library services to our communities. My hope is that we can continue to focus on serving the public, as well as support and encourage each other as we navigate the path ahead." — Lewis County at Large Trustee Hal Blanton.
View upcoming board meetings and additional information at: https://trl.org/board/
About Timberland Regional Library
Timberland Regional Library connects communities across Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties through 29 libraries, mobile services, and online resources. TRL provides access to information, technology, and experiences that support lifelong learning, creativity, and connection for everyone.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Anna Lisa Rasmussen
arasmussen@trl.org
360-789-0424