Frontline workers fight to save libraries, jobs

AFSCME Local 3758 members are calling on the Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees to reverse course and pause layoffs of nearly 40% of staff

TUMWATER, WA (April 15, 2026) — More than 60 frontline staff are facing layoffs across 33 Timberland Regional Library locations, with some library outposts slated to operate entirely without staff — a drastic reduction that will weaken the library system’s ability to respond to community needs, per AFSCME Local 3758, which represents the workers at Timberland Regional Library (TRL). Unless the TRL Board of Trustees reverses course, communities served by TRL will lose nearly 40% of library workers they rely on by May 15.

“Our union members are proud to serve the public,” said Local 3758 President Meghan Hall. “We serve our local communities and provide safe spaces for all community members to learn, use technology, and engage with literacy. Losing so many dedicated library workers to layoffs is heartbreaking. It is inconceivable that frontline library workers bear the brunt of these cuts.”

The workers aren’t the decision-makers on budget matters, but it’s staff who are facing job loss; no additional layoffs or pay cuts have been announced for TRL leadership, reports the union.

“In difficult budget moments, workers expect solutions that reflect shared sacrifice across the organization, including consideration of leadership pay reductions before layoffs are implemented,” said one worker in a union news release, who chose to speak anonymously for fear of retaliation.

AFSCME Local 3758 members tabling at the No Kings protest in Olympia in March. Photo: AFSCME Local 3758

Facing down job loss or trying to fill the gaps left by such a massive layoff is a stressful prospect for any worker. Since it’s frontline staff whose jobs are on the chopping block, the pain of layoffs for individuals is compounded by the loss to communities. TRL locations serve Washingtonians in Olympia as well as small towns and rural communities in the southern Olympic Peninsula and Southwest Washington. So, layoffs and limited hours at library locations are disproportionately impacting communities that already have fewer resources; that loss is perhaps most profound for three rural library branches that are now planned to operate on a locked keycard model without staff present, raising questions about how accessible these spaces would even be for community members.

Community frustration at TRL leadership’s handling of the budget crisis has characterized Board of Trustee meetings since layoffs were announced. Embattled Executive Director Cheryl Heywood resigned on March 25, but not before mischaracterizing Local 3758 members’ position on steps that could be taken to save jobs.

“Recently, TRL’s Executive Director said in a public meeting of 300 attendees that the Local 3758 union is not interested in furloughs for TRL employees,” said the union in a news release. “We want to be clear: the Local 3758 union is interested in any solutions that will save jobs, including furloughs. Our bargaining position has never been against furloughs for workers and we would welcome the opportunity to come back to the table and discuss this with TRL.”

“Fundamental disagreements exist over the interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement regarding these layoffs of library workers,” Local 3758 continued. “We have conducted multiple meetings with the employer’s representatives to articulate our opposition to their proposed application of the layoff procedure. However, TRL has persisted in maintaining their stance.”

With layoffs looming, workers are calling on labor allies and community members to support their calls for the TRL Board of Trustees to reconsider their approach to covering a budget shortfall.

TAKE A STAND: support library workers by…

1. Signing up for their mailing list to receive updates on opportunities to stand with library workers advocating for fair treatment and strong public libraries.
2. Email the TRL Board of Trustees at TRLBoardofTrustees@trl.org.
3. Contact your county commissioner.
   • Use this document to find your local county commissioner and their contact information.
4. Save the date for the next TRL Board of Trustees meeting on April 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the Chehalis Timberland Library.
5. Show your support with signs and postcards. Find them at Orca Books in Olympia or download the files to print here.