Two seats on the board that controls Tacoma Public Library's budget and policies are open, and residents have until noon on Thursday, Oct. 1, to apply.

The vacancies arrive at a pivotal time. The library system has no dedicated capital budget and sets aside about $100,000 a year for maintenance against deferred needs estimated at $10 million to $15 million in 2024, according to Tacoma Weekly.

Collections receive roughly 6 percent of the budget, about half the industry benchmark. Officials plan to survey residents in early September about a possible levy that could fund longer hours, larger collections and facility improvements.

The Library Board of Trustees is a five-member body nominated by the mayor and appointed by the Tacoma City Council.

Each term lasts five years. Trustees must live within city limits. The board sets library policy, approves the budget and appoints the library director.

The city posted the openings and said it is encouraging applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, senior, youth, immigrant and refugee community members.

Despite the budget strain, demand is growing. Library Director Amita Lonial told the City Council at its Aug. 25 study session that the system logged 532,907 visitors and nearly 1.78 million physical and digital checkouts in 2025. Its 3,132 programs drew 55,055 attendees.

Public computer and Wi-Fi use jumped nearly 40 percent.

"Libraries are the epicenter of citizenship," Mayor Anders Ibsen said at the same Aug. 25 session, as Tacoma Weekly reported, describing them as places where people "come together and better oneself as well as better the people around them."

Lonial, at that session, said the library plays a role in literacy and the social safety net but acknowledged it can be difficult to measure the system's full impact on Tacoma.

New trustees must complete Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act training through the Washington State Office of the Attorney General within 90 days of appointment.

Applications are available online at the city's Library Board of Trustees page. Elizabeth Wing in the City Clerk's Office can answer questions at [email protected] or (253) 591-5178.