2026 Library Levy Proposal
The Library Levy supplements City of Seattle funding to maintain core services of The Seattle Public Library, including open hours, collections, building maintenance, and technology and online services.
2026 Library Levy: Read. Grow. Belong.
The 2026 Library Levy proposes a $410 million investment to continue supplementary funding for Seattle libraries over seven years (2027-2033).
This proposal aligns with and supports the Library’s 2024-2033 Strategic Plan, which envisions the Library as the central hub of an equitable and connected city where knowledge flourishes, and people find inspiration and a sense of belonging. Learn more about it at www.spl.org/StrategicPlan.
If approved by Seattle voters, the 2026 Library Levy would replace the expiring 2019 Library Levy, which currently accounts for one-third of the Library’s total budget in the areas of hours and access, collections, building maintenance, and technology and online services.
The proposal seeks to fund:
- continued open hours at 27 libraries
- more physical books, e-books, and e-audiobooks
- more physical and digital security resources; and
- more resources to keep libraries safe, clean, and well-maintained.
View the Levy Progress Reports page to learn more about our accomplishments with 2019 Library Levy funding.
Library Levy process
The 2026 Library Levy Proposal was developed with significant community input on programs and services, including through community surveys, service design workshops, and passive engagement activities with Library patrons.
Now that Mayor Wilson has announced the proposal, it will be reviewed and amended by a select committee of the Seattle City Council.
Finally, if approved by Seattle City Council, the final amended proposal would become a ballot measure to go to a final vote of the people on the August 4, 2026 ballot.
2026 Library Levy Proposal Components
Hours & Access: $218.4 million
Includes continued funding for:
- Open hours: Continued 5-, 6- or 7-day service at all Library locations
- Early literacy: Multilingual Play & Learns for children ages 0-5 at 7 locations
- Social service referrals: Provides one community resource specialist
- Security: Funds nine of the Library’s 24 security personnel
Adds more funding for:
- More all-ages programs: $12.6 million
- More story times and other literacy programs at more locations
- More classes and workshops to help people achieve life goals
- More events that help bring joy and connection to people’s lives
- Increased security and emergency preparedness: $7.7 million
- Adds three security officers; upgrades security systems
- Establish Office of Inclusion and Belonging: $2.4 million
- Focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
Collections: $58.5 million
Includes continued funding for:
- Books and materials
- Fine-free borrowing
- Collections and shelving staff
Adds more funding for:
- More physical books: $2.2 million
- More e-books and e-audiobooks: $2.4 million
Building Maintenance: $85.9 million
Includes continued funding for:
- Routine and major maintenance
- Facility support (deep cleanings, power washing, window washing, etc.)
- Library furniture
- Capital improvement staffing and administration
- Custodial and building maintenance staffing
Adds more funding for:
- Priority and deferred maintenance: $10 million
- Address potential life/safety concerns
- Replace end-of-life systems and infrastructure
- Improve ADA accessibility across the system
- Seismic retrofit of historic Columbia Branch: $13 million
- Improve seismic safety and sustainability
- Improve public space
- Increase facility and custodial support: $5.9 million
- Address window, plumbing, and HVAC repairs
- Maintain elevators and escalators at 10 locations
Technology & Online Services: $38.2 million
Includes continued funding for:
- Public and staff computers
- Printing and copying services
- Wi-Fi HotSpots
- IT and Online Services staffing
Adds more funding for:
- Upgrading IT infrastructure: $5 million
- Improve infrastructure for a continued fast, stable, secure Library network
- Strengthening IT systems and cybersecurity: $7.4 million
- Increase oversight and management of critical data and systems, improve management of mobile devices, modernize end-of-life legacy systems
Administration: $9 million
Includes continued funding for:
- Levy administration
- Rate-based allocation of costs for centralized services provided by the City of Seattle
Adds more funding for:
- Human Resources staffing: $2.3 million