2019 Library Levy Renewal
The seven-year $219.1 million Library Levy Renewal was developed using priorities identified by the community during Community Conversations with the Chief Librarian, neighborhood community outreach, and a public survey of over 26,000 Seattle residents.
2019 Library Levy Renewal
The 2019 “Libraries for All” Library Levy is a renewal of the 2012 Library Levy, which restored funding for core Library services that experienced budget cuts during the Great Recession. Library Levy dollars maintain that funding, invest in critical systems needs, and support the changing needs and interests of the communities we serve.
Library Levy funds include support for the following areas:
Open Hours
- Maintain open hours and staffing from the 2012 Library Levy
- Add approximately 10,000 new branch hours each year:
- All branches open Sunday at noon
- All branches open an additional hour Monday through Thursday
- Delridge, Green Lake, NewHolly and Wallingford branches open Friday
- High Point, International District/Chinatown and South Park branches open earlier and close later
- Provide educational resources and social service support to at-risk youth
Collections
- Maintain and expand collection of physical and digital materials
- Provide more e-materials, including e-books, e-audiobooks, and streaming services
- Eliminate the practice of charging fines on overdue materials ( View the fact sheet)
- Maintain and improve “no holds, no wait” Peak Picks collection
- Preserve and continue support for collection and digitization of local history items, first established by the 2012 Library Levy
Technology
- Replace infrastructure for public internet access
- Replace outdated technology that manages how Library materials are acquired, catalogued and circulated
- Dedicate funding for digital equity offerings, such as Wi-Fi HotSpots and Digital Literacy classes
- Maintain and upgrade public technologies on a timely basis
- Maintain and enhance spl.org website
Maintenance
- Maintain Library buildings
- Preserve budget for major maintenance
- Seismic retrofit of the historic Columbia, Green Lake and University branches
Helping Children
- Provide additional support for Library early learning programs for children ages 0 to 5
City Council voted for this measure to be placed on the Aug. 6, 2019 primary ballot. Seattle voters overwhelmingly approved the measure with 76 percent of the vote.
