Washington State Library Set to Re-Open on Mondays

The Washington State Library will return to normal public operating hours Monday after remaining partially closed for the past 11 months. In October 2023, the library announced the reduction of hours due to a historic decline in operating funds derived from real estate transactions.

The library, located in Tumwater, Washington, will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

The Washington State Library’s operations are funded through filing fees of real estate transactions and other public records. The downturn in the filings drastically reduced the amount of funds that support the library’s operations through RCW 43.07.128.

During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers provided a one-time funding allocation that provided short-term relief allowing the library to return to normal staffing through June 30, 2025. The Office of the Secretary of State is submitting a budget request to lawmakers for ongoing funding to mitigate the financial shortfall caused by the low levels of document and property transaction recording fees the library relies upon.

Since  the 1800s, the library has been providing essential services and vital information relating to the history of Washington and its communities, and is dedicated to supporting high-quality education, literacy, reading and life-long learning.

“While the Washington State Library revenue situation hasn’t improved, the Office of the Secretary of State is hopeful in working with the Legislature to restore the state library’s full scope of resources,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “The community deserves a safe space to gather, learn, access and enjoy the library’s vast resources.”