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Timberland Regional Library revises West Olympia hours; managers cite staffing instability
Summary
Timberland Regional Library's regional manager told council layoffs and revised staffing have led to a change in hours: starting May 17 the West Olympia (Capitol Mall) branch will no longer be open Sundays and will match the Olympia branch's Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. schedule.
Victoria Harmon, regional manager for the Olympia and West Olympia libraries at Timberland Regional Library, told the City Council that recent staffing changes within the district required a reassessment of local hours. Harmon said layoffs were announced in mid-March and that, after negotiating with the library workers union and rescinding some positions, staffing levels still do not allow consistent Sunday service.
"As a result, effective Sunday, May 17, the West Olympia Library located at the Capitol Mall will no longer be open on Sundays," Harmon said, and added that the West Olympia branch’s revised hours will match the Olympia Library (Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.). Harmon asked patrons to consult the library website for updated information and noted the changes were made to ensure safe, sustainable operations while the district develops a longer-term plan to stabilize revenue.
Councilmembers thanked the library for the update and urged the public to reference the Timberland Regional Library website for details; one councilmember asked the library manager to follow up so councilmembers could answer constituent questions about the change.
