Most Timberland Libraries to Operate on Revised Hours Beginning in May
Seventeen TRL branches will soon operate on revised open hours. Libraries will begin transitioning to their new hours beginning the second week of May with all changes to be completed by May 19.
Following the recent agreement with the union to limit the scope of proposed layoffs, Regional Managers were asked to review local staffing levels and usage patterns and to recommend changes to open staffed hours. The new hours ensure sustainable staffing and operations while the district continues to develop a plan to increase its revenue.
Of Timberland’s 29 libraries, 12 will continue to maintain their current staffed open hours while 13 will reduce open staffed hours by 1 to 8 hours per week. The remaining four libraries – Hawks Prairie, Hoodsport, North Mason (Belfair) and Shelton – will implement reductions of between 10 and 16 hours per week.
The Naselle Timberland Library, which transitioned to a fully self-service model in the fall of 2024, will add regular staffed hours to allow for new library cards, Expanded Access Hours (EAH) signups, and occasional programming on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. As part of this adjustment to open hours Naselle will also be closed to EAH on Wednesdays from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM to allow staff to complete materials processing and maintenance tasks. Patrons are encouraged to call or visit their local branch, subscribe to library emails at TRL.org, or check TRL.org/locations for the most up-to-date information on open hours.