Hawks Prairie hours could be impacted by Timberland Regional Library's budget dilemma

Timberland Regional Library's (TRL) ongoing budget problem is going to cost dozens of employees their jobs systemwide and is now pushing proposed hour reductions at its Hawks Prairie branch. 

Regional Manager Kristina Hancock outlined developments at the Lacey Library Board's meeting on Thursday, April 16. 

Hancock said layoff planning under a reduction in force authorized on Feb. 25 includes 17 voluntary separations, as well as 44 positions identified for involuntary layoff that goes into effect on May 15. The moves come as TRL grapples with a $3.5 million budget deficit.

Three affected employees received rescission letters on April 15 partially restoring staffing capacity. She said the rescissions came after proposed hour adjustments had abeen drafted, and that scheduling may need further recalibration. 

Amid the staffing upheaval, the TRL Board of Trustees accepted Executive Director Cheryl Heywood's resignation on March 25, with interim candidate interviews conducted on April 18 at the board's retreat. 

Branch hour changes 

Among the operational adjustments, Hancock proposed reducing Hawks Prairie branch hours beginning May 15, pending approval. 

The branch would be closed on Monday, operate Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The Lacey branch, meanwhile, would keep its Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule. Hancock said hours are subject to change following the rescissions. 

The proposed schedule drew questions from the board. Chair Sharla Desy asked whether the hours were drafted with or without the three rescinded employees.

Hancock confirmed the adjustments were proposed before the rescission letters were issued, meaning the hours may shift as staffing is reassessed. 

Vice Chair Oscar Annwn asked whether remodel funds could offset staffing costs. Hancock said the budget is likely associated with a separate building fund from a donor bequest and pledged a fuller response at a future meeting. 

The cuts also touched programming, as a children's programmer and a teen programmer were among the people who took voluntary layoffs, she added, with staff working to preserve offerings across all age groups. 

Hancock noted that some programs are monetarily supported by Friends of the Lacey Library funds and volunteer-led programming remains a key part of the library's operations. 

Community pushback 

The remodel also drew opposition from the public. During public comment, Friends of the Lacey Library co-President Sally Fitzgerald urged the Lacey Library Board to oppose the planned remodel. 

She warned a projected six- to nine-month closure would disrupt services for daily visitors and children's programs, and called on members to push for targeted repairs instead. 

Fitzgerald added the group had written to City of Lacey officials, TRL trustees and the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners requesting a formal review of the library's finances. 

Despite the financial strain, first-quarter circulation figures showed strong demand. The Lacey branch recorded physical checkout increases of 22 percent, 24 percent and 13 percent in January, February and March from the same periods last year.

Hawks Prairie, similarly, posted a 64 percent physical checkout gain in February and a 51 percent digital checkout increase in January from the same periods a year ago.

The meeting also marked the seating of two new board members.

Pat Taviss, a librarian with experience spanning multiple states, holds a master's degree in library science and a master's degree in organizational management. 

Jade Sierra, a University of Washington graduate who double-majored in political science and communications, currently works in program and project management for the state of Washington. Sierra said she joined the board out of a lifelong passion for libraries and a desire to serve the community.