Tacoma Public Library announces two closures in 2021 to meet budget shortfall

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma Public Library announced two week-long closures in 2021 to meet a budget shortfall.

The closures will take place from Feb. 21-28 and Nov. 28-Dec. 5. A news release said that library usage is historically low during these times, minimizing impact to the public.

The city experienced a budget shortfall during the pandemic, and the library worked to find a way to meet its $1.2 million budget reduction.

To make the reduction, library staff will takes two weeks of unpaid furlough in 2021 and 2022.

“By working closely with our union partners, we were able to create a plan for cost savings of $1.2 million without any layoffs or loss of library positions,” said Director Kate Larsen.

Larsen also said that the lowest-paid, part-time employees will not have a wage reduction, and higher-earning staff are taking an extra week or unpaid furlough to balance it out.

Cox Media Group