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 shortfall in state funding, resulting in the elimination of 12 jobs. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs stated that these closures will limit access to essential information resources for underserved communities. This funding gap arises primarily from a decline in revenue from real estate transaction fees. The closures will also lead to the cancellation of various services, including programming for individuals with disabilities.

Delays in responses to inquiries and the discontinuation of subscriptions to databases will further hinder access to information. Although a new bill signed by Governor Bob Ferguson aims to generate future funding, the immediate impact is significant. The bill will impose a $50 surcharge on court filings, potentially generating up to $6 million over a biennium. These disruptions jeopardize equitable access to information for Washington's most vulnerable residents.