During its regular monthly business meeting on February 25, 2026, the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to authorize Executive Director Cheryl Heywood to proceed with a planned reduction in force.
Trustee Loup made the motion to “Approve the implementation of a reduction in force as discussed for the purposes of ensuring financial stability for the remainder of the 2026 fiscal year and authorize the Executive Director to take all necessary action to implement the reduction in force in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and legal requirements.”
This decision follows a previous announcement made on January 29, 2026, that TRL is experiencing a budget deficit due to property tax revenue failing to keep pace with rising annual expenditures over time requiring immediate action to reduce services, collections, and staffing.
In his opening statement, Board President Brian Mittge addressed the need for layoffs. "We know these are real people — colleagues, neighbors, friends. It's hard to do this. But TRL has to be fiscally responsible to the 550,000 patrons of our five counties." He continued, "I want to keep libraries open, and this plan will help us do that to the greatest extent that we can."
Library administration expressed a commitment to working to make needed budgetary reductions in a balanced way to keep libraries open and limit impacts to library patrons as much as possible. Executive Director Cheryl Heywood added, “While difficult decisions remain ahead, on behalf of myself and TRL leadership at all levels, I want to acknowledge and thank members of the public who have expressed support for TRL and our staff. We hear you, we see you, and your support is crucial as we look toward and plan for the future.”
The total number of positions affected has not yet been announced, as discussions with Union leadership remain ongoing with the shared goal of limiting the impact of layoffs on staff and the public. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
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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Anna Lisa Rasmussen
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