Libraries for All
In 1998, voters in Seattle overwhelmingly supported a bold vision to renew Seattle's aging and outdated Library buildings. The Libraries for All bond measure resulted in the world-renowned Central Library and new and renovated branch libraries in every neighborhood of the city. The successful 10-year rebuilding program was completed on time and on budget. It not only set the standard for library systems across the globe - it reinvigorated Seattle's love of learning and reading.
Seattle is now consistently rated one of the most literate cities in the nation. The "Seattle Reads" program, where residents across the city annually are encouraged to read the same book, has been replicated worldwide. Our renewed libraries - many award-winning - provide modern, safe and accessible educational centers for youth, families, job seekers and all Seattle residents.
During the Libraries for All building program:
- Library usage rose an incredible 158%
- Annual attendance at Library programs surged 62%
- Library card registration jumped 53%
Libraries for All: The challenge to our vision
Our use data demonstrates that the people of Seattle look to the Library as the go-to place for educational resources to succeed. Tough economic times translate to declining funding at a time when people need libraries more than ever. The cumulative impact of cuts is taking its toll on the Library's ability to deliver on the vision of Libraries for All. While our goal was to give more people more access to our public library system, we have reduced overall the number of hours our branches are open to the public. More than half our branches are closed two days a week. The entire system will shut down an entire week for the fourth consecutive year in 2012.
As we reduce our hours, we have also reduced our offerings, including early learning programs for children. The budget for books and materials - the heart and soul of our system - has been cut more than 13 percent since 2009 after inflation. This means fewer purchases of important and popular book titles, e-books and picture books, longer waiting times for materials and reduced limits on the number of holds patrons can place. The Library has insufficient funding to support replacement of public computers or the technology infrastructure that was originally purchased under the 1998 Libraries for All bond measure. The capital budget, which funds major maintenance of the 27 buildings, is less than half of what it was in 2008.
Ensuring everyone in our community
has an opportunity to succeed
A strong Library system contributes to the economic, educational and cultural vitality of our city. It's where students receive homework assistance, unemployed residents come for job resources and those without access to technology can use computers for free. To ensure these resources are accessible and available when people need them, the Library is considering creating a stable source of funding to help support the Library's ongoing operations. We currently do not have this.
Bringing the vision to life
The Library has identified four essential service areas that will support the next phase of bringing the vision of Libraries for All to life:
These service areas support the Library's exciting new Strategic Plan. They are core elements that ensure Seattle - a city of readers - has excellent Library services and resources. They provide the framework for achieving the Library's new mission: Bringing people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.
A foundation for the future
Improvements in the four service areas will help ensure residents in every neighborhood have access to critical Library services into the future, preserving the vision of Libraries for All.
The last 10 years have been about renewing facilities that support Library programs and users. When we look ahead to the next decade, we want to extend our reach through more Library open hours, great choices in books and materials and improved computer resources. It's also about keeping our buildings welcoming, clean and maintained - protecting the investment in our buildings.
Next Steps
