Dozens of layoffs expected at WA State Library amid state, federal reductions
The Washington State Library is bracing for dozens of anticipated layoffs due to a mixture of reduced state and federal funding.
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs’ office noted in a Monday news release that 47 “at-risk of layoff letters” were delivered to employees over the past of couple weeks, the first step toward expected layoffs in the state’s process.
Those in state-funded roles got word of a June 30 layoff date, Hobbs’ office says. Because of the federal government’s recent decision to walk back its termination of a key $3.9 million grant, the date for federally funded positions was extended to Sept. 30.
“It is heartbreaking and distressing to witness the near elimination of our state’s Central Library, which has existed since territorial times to enrich our culture and serve as a research hub for our state’s residents,” Hobbs said in the release, highlighting its significance to journalists, historians and the public.
Hobbs also warned that the impact will be felt by the state’s Talking Book & Braille Library, which depends on federal and state funding.
The Washington state Legislature passed the 2025-27 operating budget on April 27, the final day of session. Absent from the budget was a requested $6.7 million to help bolster library operations, Hobbs notes. At the same time, the state library is facing a budget gap, driven by a steep drop in loan refinancing and real estate transactions.
Some relief is expected through a bill concerning superior court clerk fees that’s waiting for Gov. Bob Ferguson’s signature. And it remains to be seen whether the governor will sign off on lawmakers’ operating budget.
But the funding shortfall is already being felt by services across the state, the secretary of state’s office warns.
“Libraries are cornerstones of civic life and education,” Washington State Librarian Sara Jones said in the release. “Without stable funding, we risk denying communities access to the information, literacy tools, and resources they depend on.”
Among the services that will be hit particularly hard: a research library in Tumwater, the release says. Losing staff positions will lead to far fewer public-service hours and could lead to a complete closure to the public. Governmental and historical collections will face limited access, and subscriptions to genealogy and newspaper databases will be discontinued, on top of other consequences.
Also, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle is grappling with deep cuts and possible closure to the public. Washington’s only accessible library service for people who have difficulty reading print, the facility could reduce or suspend production of audio and braille materials, endangering equitable access to information for vulnerable Washingtonians.
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