Mission
Welcoming everyone to a vibrant world of possibilities.
Connecting people, places, and ideas.
Evolving to meet the needs of our communities.
Vision
Libraries connecting to our communities.
We Value
Access for all. Working together. Diverse communities and ideas.
Responsible use of public resources.
2020 – 2024 Strategic Direction Foci
Developed through community and staff participation with our Board of Trustees Strategic Planning Committee.
Local Communities
- Sharing local culture.
- Increasing our presence in under-served communities.
- Creating opportunities for inter-generational connection.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Reaching those with disabilities and other access barriers.
- Reflecting under-represented groups in our collections, staff, and services.
- Partner with local agencies and organizations to support diverse communities.
Children from Birth to Five
- Providing appealing spaces and engaging experiences.
- Clarifying what they need and how to provide for those needs.
- Empowering them to build relationships with the library & within their communities.
In the Library
Tools in the Library
Visit any of our 29 locations in Lewis, Pacific, Mason, Grays Harbor and Thurston Counties.
- Computers & Wi-Fi
- Print/Scan/Fax – Black & White or full color.
- iPad for in Library use
- Reserve a Meeting Room – Rooms are available free of charge for use by individuals, organizations, or community groups.
- Assistive Devices
- Book Club & Kits
- Grab and Go – request a grab bag assembled from items available in your local branch.
- Personalized Picks – request personalized reading/watching/listening recommendations.
- Take and Makes – Enjoy a craft, with supplies and directions, to complete at home. Varies by location.
- Picture Book City – Over 13,000 unique titles were moved into 14 genres.
- Youth Connect Boxes – Boxes are filled with 25-40 books which are available for loan to community centers, health care agencies, before and after school programs, Head Start locations, preschools, daycare centers, day camps, and anyone who works directly with youth groups.
- LibChat – Chat with staff on our website: TRL.org (Monday through Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM)
- Email: AskLib@TRL.org
Programs
New Virtual Author Talks
Each month, TRL will showcase a virtual author talk series featuring bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world.
All programs are recorded, watch the event live or enjoy viewing at your leisure.
STEAM Library Events
From LEGO® Club sessions where young builders unleash their engineering skills to Teen Art Club gatherings where artistic expression meets technological innovation, there's something for everyone. Families can explore hands-on STEAM activities like building challenges and science experiments during STEAM Play and STEAM Labs sessions.
Summer Library Program
Include Timberland Regional Library in your summer plans as you read, explore, create, and learn your way through the summer. The annual Summer Library Program runs June 1 – August 31 and at all 29 locations across the five counties. All ages are welcome to participate (Including adults)!
StoryTrails
A fun and engaging way for families to combine a love of nature and a love of reading. Walk a trail while you read a picture book, and enjoy interactive facts and questions as you go. Visit TRL.org/Storytrail
Moving Forward Together Virtual Series
In May 2023, the Capital STEM Alliance, opens a new window and Timberland Regional Library partnered to kick off Moving Forward Together, a twice-a-year virtual summit dedicated to sharing insights about post-pandemic social-emotional health issues affecting rural communities in the five-county Capital region.
Each session is held via Zoom. For those unable to attend, each Moving Forward Together virtual summit was recorded and posted on both TRL’s and ESD113’s YouTube channels.
Library of Things
Checkout and explore our unique natural environments, test a product, or take up a new hobby with items from our Library of Things collections!
Backpacks
- Checkout Washington Kits
- Bee Backpacks
- Stargazing Backpacks
- Environmental Education Backpacks
- Explore Your Forest Backpacks
- Birding Backpacks
- Math Backpacks
Outdoor Exploration
- Checkout Washington Discover Pass
- Outdoor Games Collection
- Bike Maintenance Kit
- Plankton Kits
- Fishing Rods & Tackle Box
- Columbia River Maritime Museum Passes
Lifestyle & Home Products
- Blu-ray DVD Player
- Blood Pressure Monitoring Kit
- Gadget Library
- iPads available to use in the library
- Kitchen Tools
- Light Therapy Lamps
- Musical Instruments
MyTRL is a partnership between Timberland Regional Library, Capital Region Educational School District #113, our schools, and learning communities in our service region. Students and educators can take advantage of a wide range and depth of educational tools to facilitate all stages of lifelong learning.
MyTRL accounts allow students to login to TRL from school or home, on any computer or device all without needing a physical card.
Homeschooling
Explore, learn, and grow with us as you embark on your homeschooling adventure. Library staff are available to help set up your homeschool account.
Educators Webpage
Get ready to blast off with educational materials, from books and digital resources to databases and multimedia content, providing all educators with a wealth of information to enhance their teaching materials. For professionals, caregivers and homeschooling, there is something for everyone.
Online Resources
Libby: Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more for free! Libby is the newer library reading app by OverDrive, loved by millions of readers worldwide. Explore the collection through catalog guides, subjects, featured titles, and curated lists. It's a delight to discover new books through Libby.
iPads can be checked out for use in the branch during your visit to read, view, and explore our digital TRL collections. Read More.
- Books & Reviews
- Business, Finance & Legal
- Citizenship
- Culture, Geography & Travel
- Educators
- Encyclopedias & General Reference
- Genealogy & History
- Health & Science
- Home, Hobby & Auto
- Homework Help
- Language Learners
- Local History
- Magazines & Newspapers
- Nonprofits
- Online Courses
- Streaming
- Test Prep, College & Career
STEM Online Resources
ABCmouse.com – 100% educational (ages 2-8+), with more than 10,000 learning activities across all major subject areas: reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music—including more than 1,200 of those learning activities in Spanish.
Scholastic Teachables – Printable activities for grades pre-k to 8 in math, science, reading comprehension, STEM, writing, and more.
TumbleBook Library – Animated, talking picture books; puzzles and games; videos. For library and home use only. Not allowed from school sites. (TumbleBook Library Tutorial)
Gale in Context: Elementary, Middle School, High School, and Science – Age-appropriate videos, newspapers, magazines, primary sources, and much more. Categories cover a range of the most-studied topics including cultures, government, people, U.S. and world history, and literature.
Small Engine Repair Reference Center – Step-by-step maintenance and repair instructions for small engines.
Home Improvement Reference Center – DIY help for outdoors, electrical projects, remodeling, plumbing, woodworking & decorating.
Chilton Online Auto Repair Manuals – Step-by-step instructions, pictures, and diagrams to help with vehicle maintenance and repair. (Chilton Tutorial)
LinkedIn Learning for Library – Learn software, technology, creative, and business skills with over 16,000 courses and expanded language options. (Linkedin Learning Tutorial)
Northstar Digital Literacy – Tests your computer skills. You can build skills in key areas, and demonstrate your knowledge by earning certificates and badges.
PressReader – Get access to more than 7,000 of the world’s top newspapers and magazines. Find content from over 120 countries in 60 different languages. Read online or download.
Code.org – Free coding lessons for all skill levels and has inspired tens of millions of students to learn to code. he website helps expand access to computer science with a focus on increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups.
New Formats
Playaways, Launchpads, and Vox Books
Technology can actively contribute to children's reading development. These invaluable tools bolster reading skills through interactive and engaging games, puzzles, and activities. Audiobooks and Read-Aloud can enhance the reading experience and improve phonetic skills. A balanced approach combines technology with the participation and guidance of caregivers.
Playaway Audiobooks
An audiobook player built just for kids. No internet needed. Simply plug in headphones and press play.
Loaded with a world of learning with apps, videos, storybooks, and games just for kids. No internet needed.
VOX Books
Listen while reading through the book. No batteries or internet access needed; just press a button and you’re listening and reading!
Career & Job Help
A gateway to a wealth of resources and services designed to help you succeed in today's dynamic job market. Whether you're just starting your career, seeking a new opportunity, or looking to enhance your skills, we're here to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and guidance you need to achieve your career goals.
Workforce Development
All 29 Timberland libraries are Connection Sites in the WorkSource system.
Online Resources
- Career Cruising – Interactive career guidance resource with in-depth profiles of careers, colleges, and universities.
- LearningExpress Library – Build skills in math, language arts, and science for elementary, middle school, and high school. Resources for adults to improve math, writing, and grammar. Study to become a U.S. Citizen and find Recursos Para Hispanohablantes, including the GED in Espanol.
- Northstar Digital Literacy – Tests and builds your computer skills in key areas such as basic computer skills, Internet basics, social media, email, Microsoft Word, Windows, Mac OS, and Career Search Skills.
- Career Connect Washington – Career Connect Washington makes it possible for every student to learn and earn—preparing for a career while earning money and college-level credit.
- Linkedin Learning – Learn software, technology, hard and soft skills.
- Universal Class – Online learning courses for people interested in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge. There are over 500 courses that you can take at any time without waiting for sessions to start or end.
Children from Birth to Five
Birth to 5 Webpage
Grow a reader by engaging in daily activities like reading, talking, writing, singing, and playing with your baby and young child! Parents and caregivers are a child’s first teachers and our early learning programs and resources can help children develop early literacy skills beginning at birth.
Find an event, new books, popular resources, online resources, staff booklists, and blogs on our new website.
Early Math Backpacks
The goal is to provide caregivers in rural and underserved communities with the resources to support their children’s (ages 3-6) early math development.
Backpacks are designed based on six early learning math themes: Patterns, Measurement, Counting, Addition & Subtraction, and Shapes. Picture books and activity sheets are included.
Grays Harbor County, Lewis County, Mason County, Pacific County, and Thurston County
Cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Tenino, Yelm, Shelton, McCleary, Elma, Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Westport, South Bend, Raymond, Ilwaco, Centralia, Chehalis, and Winlock
F
Local Tribes:
- Nisqually Indian Tribe
- Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe
- Quinault Indian Nation
- Squaxin Island Tribe
- Skokomish Indian Tribe
- Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation
The Black Hills Audubon for donation to Birding Backpacks and Discover Pass
Capital Mall – A Pacific Retail Property
Capital STEM Alliance
Columbia River Maritime Museum – Day Access Passes available at Pacific County Libraries.
Community-based organizations – Boys and Girls Club, United Way, churches’ Kiwanis, Rotaries, Chambers, Economic Development Councils, Family Education and Support Services
Early Learning Coalitions: Grays Harbor County, Lewis County, Mason County, Pacific County, and Thurston County
ESD 113, 112, and 114 – Association of Educational Service Districts
Friends of the Library
Hands-on Children’s Museum – Day Passes are available at all 29 locations with a total of 936 passes distributed a year.
Keta Legacy Foundation
MyTRL – K-12 students with 44 school districts.
South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency, Squaxin Island Tribe, Chehalis Tribe, Shoalwater Bay Tribe, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Skokomish Indian Tribe, and Quinault Indian Nation
StoryTrails Partnerships – Trails hosted by: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Ports, Cities, Hospitals, National Forest, WSU Master Gardeners, Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, State Parks
U.S. Fish & Wildlife for Discover Pass available in all Fishing Kits
Veterans Connection Café Partnership – WestCare Foundation, the Aberdeen and Lacey American Legions, Lacey Veterans Service Center, and VA American Lake
West Sound Stem
WorkSource – All 29 libraries within Timberland Regional Library are WorkSource connection sites serving all residents within our five counties.
Grays Harbor County
Amanda Park Timberland Library
Pacific County
Shoalwater Bay Tribal Community Library
Mason County
North Mason Timberland Library
Thurston County
Hawks Prairie Timberland Library
West Olympia Timberland Library
Lewis County
Mountain View Timberland Library