Due to COVID-19, the City of Tacoma City Manager instructed that Tacoma Public Library cut 7.5% from the budget, cutting over 20 positions. TPL employees already agreed to a 12 week furlough to save city money during the lockdown, and yet no other City department is asked to cut staff so deeply.

This would mean less staff available for community programs & activities. TPL provides resources to residents of a wide area - for homeschooling, skill advancement, & personal entertainment.

In listening sessions over the past two years, TPL has been engaging underserved communities in Tacoma to understand what library services are most needed & how to advance the need for anti-racism & equity that Tacoma residents expressed. The City Council needs to hear that Tacoma loves its libraries & wants MORE services, not LESS.

TPL has been building a unique position as a racial equity leader & provider of equal access. Tell Mayor Victoria Woodards and the Tacoma City Council to keep the libraries strong and reject the cuts to an underfunded public service.

               ** Layoffs don't serve the community - the library does. **

TELL MAYOR WOODARDS AND TACOMA CITY COUNCIL TO FULLY FUND TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY & REJECT MASS LAYOFFS AND SERVICE CUTS!