Washington State Library | WA Secretary of State

Washington State Library closure

Effective July 1, 2025, the Washington State Library in Tumwater is closed to the public due to a loss of funding. Limited access will be available by appointment only on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. To request an appointment, please email [email protected].

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Washington State Library’s Research Library, Washington Talking Book & Braille Library Closed to Public Due to Budget Shortfall

06/06/2025 - Both the research library in Tumwater, Washington, and the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) in Seattle will be closed to the public beginning on July 1 and continue to be closed until further notice.

Anticipated Layoffs to Hit Washington State Library After Budget Request Rejected 

05/12/2025 - The Office of the Secretary of State delivered 47 at-risk of layoff letters over the past two weeks to Washington State Library (WSL) employees. This is the first step toward anticipated layoffs in Washington state’s process and a direct result of diminished state and federal funding.

Grant Terminations Threaten Washington Libraries' Programs, Support

04/10/2025 - The Washington State Library is at risk of losing personnel, statewide programs, resources for local libraries, and community opportunities as a result of a presidential Executive Order that resulted in termination of a $3.9 million grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services.