Washington State Library closing to the public, 12 jobs getting axed

The Washington State Library and the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library will close to the public on July 1 due to a $6. 7 million budget shortfall, resulting in the elimination of 12 jobs. The closures will limit access to the state's historical collections and essential services, significantly impacting underserved communities. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs stated that libraries serve as cornerstones of civic life, and the closures will deny access to important information and resources. The financial strain stems from a decline in revenue from real estate transaction fees, which was not compensated in the budget.

A new bill signed on May 19 will impose a $50 surcharge on court filings to generate future funding for library services. However, this measure will not alleviate the immediate financial pressures. The closures will also delay responses to inquiries and cancel programs like multisensory story time and workshops for individuals with disabilities. Access to braille and audio materials could be further reduced, affecting Washington's most vulnerable populations.