- Nearly 50 employees at the Washington State Library are facing layoffs due to state and federal funding shortfalls.
- 27 state-funded workers have layoff dates of June 30; 20 federally funded workers may be let go after Sept. 30.
- Secretary of State Steve Hobbs warned the main library in Tumwater may close to the public and cut services.
- Programs like Ask A Librarian, genealogy databases, and the Talking Book & Braille Library are at risk.
- Reduced housing market activity has cut real estate fee revenue, a key funding source for the library.
- The Legislature declined to fund $6.7 million requested by Hobbs, leaving a budget shortfall.
- A bill on Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk would add a $50 court filing fee to help fund libraries and archives.
- If signed, the new fee could generate up to $6 million over two years, possibly rehiring laid-off staff.
- A rescinded federal grant will still provide $3.9 million, but its future past Sept. 30 remains uncertain.
- Deputy Secretary Randy Bolerjack emphasized the cuts’ deep impact on accessibility and historical preservation.
https://www.lakechelanmirror.com/stories/money-crunch-nearly-50-wa-state-library-employees-facing-layoffs,124306