Support Needed for the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library

The Washington Talking Book and Braille Library received no funding in 2025. This places the library in extreme jeopardy. This library serves people who are visually impaired, veterans, students, the print impaired, physically disabled, and many others. Due to the current budget situation, the doors are locked, and people must use voicemail to contact the remaining staff.

This situation needs to be changed. The Washington state legislature and Gov. Bob Ferguson need to approve the $3 million funding request in order to maintain services for the WTBBL.

Dear [Lawmaker],

I am writing to urge Gov. Ferguson to support blind, low vision, and print-impaired constituents by fully funding the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) from the general fund going forward.

In the last state budget cycle, WTBBL received ZERO of the state funds needed to continue basic operations. The building is already closed to patrons, the phone line is voicemail only, and programs like workshops and multi-sensory story times for blind children have been canceled. It won’t be long before these critical funding cuts will lead to irreversible cuts to services.

WTBBL is an essential service for vulnerable groups like veterans, the elderly, and the disabled. Something as basic as access to a library should not be subject to the whims of any administration. Three million dollars is a small price to pay to fulfill the basic rights and needs of people across Washington state.

To quote Gov. Ferguson: “Together we can build a future that works for everyone.”

I urge you to fulfill your promise. Use your power and position to help blind, low vision, and print-disabled constituents, and ensure WTBBL can continue their critical mission.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
______

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