Tumwater extends operating agreement with Timberland Regional Library 

The Tumwater City Council extended an agreement with the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) through the end of the year, while negotiations for a long-term contract continue. 

The agreement governs the management of Tumwater Timberland Library, one of 29 branches operated by the library system across five counties, including Thurston County. 

Under the contract, the City of Tumwater owns the physical library building and pays for maintenance and utility costs, while TRL operates the branch and is responsible for costs related to its collection, technology, staffing and other operational expenses. 

At a city council meeting on Tuesday, June 16, City Administrator Paul Simmons reminded council members they already approved an extension of the agreement through June, as the original contract was supposed to expire in December 2025. 

Simmons noted a new agreement has not yet been finalized due to recent leadership transitions at both the city and library system.  

Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff took office in January, while the TRL Board of Trustees appointed Andrea Heisel as the interim executive director in May. Former executive director Cheryl Heywood stepped down in March in the midst of a budget crisis that resulted in layoffs and reduced operational hours for some branches.

Simmons said the additional time would allow staff to figure out how they want to work together, with the goal of bringing a contract ready for the council’s approval by the end of the year. 

Before the council approved the extension, Dahlhoff emphasized the city's commitment to the partnership. 

“Tumwater values our relationship with the library and the library community, and recognizes the strong public support for library services,” Dahlhoff said. “This extension demonstrates our commitment to maintaining those services, while working collaboratively together towards a mutually beneficial long-term agreement.” 

Council member Brandon Weedon also expressed hope for a shared funding model. 

“As we discuss future investments in the library facility, I believe it's important that funding responsibilities reflect the regional nature of these services,” Weedon said. “I look forward to continue to explore the partnership and funding models that fairly distribute the costs.”