Washington State Library | WA Secretary of State

Washington State Library closure

Due to loss of funding, the Washington State Library in Tumwater is closed to the public starting July 1, 2025. We will respond to phone and email messages within one week. Learn more about services beginning July 1, 2025.

Catalog service disruption

The Library Catalog may experience intermittent service disruptions due to scheduled system maintenance from June 28 to June 30, 2025.

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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.