Everett Public Library says hours cut, lists capital grants and asks council for full funding

Abby Cooley, director of the Everett Public Library, and Joshua Glasgow, the library board president, told the City Council on Jan. 15 that library usage and demand rose in 2024 while the system faces budget constraints that led to service reductions.

In-person visits reached more than 580,000 last year and more than 640,000 physical and digital items were lent, the library reported. Cooley said these figures represent the highest usage since 2014 and emphasized the library’s return on investment: the library estimates $2.47 in community benefit for every $1 budgeted.

Why this matters: The council heard that library services act as informal social-service hubs — offering computer access, legal clinics, and cooling/heating centers — and that reductions in hours or staffing can reduce access for people who rely on these services.

Key details reported to council

- Hours and service reductions: Beginning in December 2024 the library reduced hours from 96 hours per week to 72 hours per week. The reduction was described as painful and driven by budget limits.

- Usage and service metrics: The library reported over 580,000 visits in 2024; more than 640,000 items borrowed; roughly 45,000 reference questions answered; nearly 40,000 in‑person computer sessions; more than 700 patrons received Chromebooks or hot spots; and nearly 200 people were helped through free legal clinics in partnership with Snohomish County Legal Services.

- Capital and grant funding: Cooley listed recommended and awarded grants: Snohomish County invested $321,834 in HVAC improvements from ARPA funds for the main library; the Washington State Department of Commerce recommended $559,500 through the Library Capital Improvement Program for main‑library exterior repairs; and the Washington Department of Commerce awarded approximately $444,000 for electric vehicle charging stations at the main library and the Evergreen branch.

- Philanthropy and endowments: The library reported roughly $85,000 annually from endowment funds plus recent estate gifts and individual donations (examples given included around $100,000 from one estate and smaller gifts supporting the endowment and operations).

- Staff safety and scope creep: Cooley said library staff increasingly perform duties that resemble social-service or first-responder roles — administering Narcan, providing CPR, experiencing harassment and witnessing assaults — and warned this raises risks of workplace trauma and burnout.

Council reaction and next steps

Council members thanked the library leadership for the presentation and asked that the presentation materials be posted in the record. Council Member Voglie asked that the presentation be made available to the clerk so it can be reviewed; library staff agreed to share materials. No vote was taken on funding at the Jan. 15 meeting.

Ending

Library leaders urged the council to consider restoring and stabilizing library funding, citing the library’s community benefit calculations and the practical services the system provides. The council did not make budgetary changes at the session but council members expressed support and requested the presentation materials be posted for review.