The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss significant developments in local library services, highlighted by the Timberland Regional Library's annual report. The meeting showcased the library's impressive growth and innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing community access to resources.

Marybeth Harrington, a trustee for the Timberland Regional Library Board, presented the 2024 annual report, revealing that the library served over 550,000 residents across five counties, including Thurston, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Lewis, and Mason. Notably, physical checkouts increased by 1% to over 1.6 million, while digital checkouts surged by 15.5%, reaching over 1.3 million. This growth underscores the library's commitment to adapting to community needs, particularly through digital offerings.

The report also highlighted the introduction of expanded access hours at several library locations, allowing patrons aged 14 and up to utilize library services outside regular hours. This initiative aims to increase accessibility and convenience for users. Additionally, the library's Anywhere service, which brings library resources to various community locations, reached over 15,000 individuals in 2024, demonstrating the library's proactive approach to serving underserved areas.

A key highlight was the completion of the new Mountain View Timberland Library, the first new library building in decades, which opened on January 11, 2025. The project was completed ahead of schedule and within budget, reflecting effective management and community investment in library infrastructure.

The board also discussed ongoing strategic planning efforts for 2025-2029, focusing on enhancing digital literacy and expanding services for school-age youth. The library aims to bridge the digital divide by offering resources and support for technology use, ensuring that all community members can benefit from library services.

In response to inquiries about the potential acquisition of the City of Tenino Library building, Harrington confirmed that discussions are ongoing but no formal decision has been made. The board acknowledged the importance of maintaining library services in geographically isolated areas to prevent service cuts.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners expressed their support for the library's initiatives and the positive impact these developments will have on the community. The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners continues to prioritize access to educational resources, ensuring that libraries remain vital community hubs for learning and connection.