Your Business Needs a Library Card: February Luncheon Showcases Free Resources

The Chamber’s February luncheon, hosted at Mason PUD 3, featured guest speaker Cheryl Heywood, Executive Director of Timberland Regional Library. Cheryl explored the vast business resources available through the library system and talked about why having a library card is an essential tool for business owners and professionals.

Libraries are no longer just for books. In today’s digital world, they serve as powerful business hubs, offering invaluable tools and resources—many of which are free with a library card. Cheryl detailed how Timberland Regional Library has evolved into a tech-savvy center for learning, business development, and workforce training.

With a projected revenue of $28.2 million for the year, Timberland Library is investing $5 million in content to expand accessibility and enhance its offerings. From market research databases and business planning tools to free professional development courses, the library provides cost-effective solutions for businesses looking to grow.

Key Takeaways:

• Access to Market Research & Business Data – Timberland Library offers databases such as Data Axle, which helps businesses research competitors, identify potential clients, and analyze market trends. Other resources include Value Line for investment insights and Entrepreneurship Online for startup guidance.
• Professional Development & Training – Through platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Universal Class, and North Star Digital Literacy, businesses can upskill their teams without incurring high training costs. These resources provide access to courses in marketing, finance, leadership, and more.
• Workforce Development Support – In partnership with WorkSource, the library helps job seekers find employment and employers connect with skilled workers. Certification programs through the Washington State Library further enhance career prospects.
• Legal & Financial Resources – The library provides Gale Legal Forms for essential business documentation and Grant Select to help identify funding opportunities for business growth.
• Expanded Library Access & Services – With an “anywhere library” approach, Timberland Library ensures resources are available beyond physical branches. New initiatives include:
  • Online library card registration for easy access.
  • Expanded access hours at select locations, now open 7:00a-8:00p daily, including Sundays and holidays.
  • Free printing and scanning services, including the ability to print from personal devices up to a week in advance.

More information can be found on the library’s Small Business Page.

Resources:

• Get a Library Card – Signup Online
• Career and Job Help Resources Handout – PDF
• Online Small Business Resources Handout – PDF
• Digital Literacy Resources Handout – PDF
• Online Auto Resources Handout – PDF

About our Speaker:

Executive Director Cheryl Heywood
Cheryl Heywood is the Executive Director for Timberland Regional Library, a public library district employing 255 staff at 29 libraries within Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties. She has worked for TRL in various leadership positions since 1996 and has been Director since 2013. Appointed by County Commissioners in the five counties, Cheryl serves on the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council Board. 

Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Concordia University and a master’s in library studies degree from McGill University. She is originally from Montreal; Canada and she became a United States citizen in 2008. Cheryl lives in unincorporated Thurston County. Cheryl enjoys hiking, biking, camping, and traveling.