2026 Library Levy Proposal

The 2026 Library Levy proposes a nearly $480 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. Learn more 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.

This is a proposed replacement of the expiring 2019 Library Levy. According the Seattle City Budget Office, the average annual tax rate for homeowners would be $0.23 per $1,000 of assessed home value. The average annual cost for owners of median assessed residential value is expected to average $193 per year of the levy.

The 2026 Library Levy Proposal was developed with community input on programs and services, including through community surveys, service design workshops, and passive engagement activities with Library patrons.

Mayor Wilson announced the proposal in February 2026 and it was reviewed and amended by a select committee of the Seattle City Council.

The final amended proposal was unanimously approved by the Seattle City Council on April 14, 2026. It will go to a final vote of the people on the August 4, 2026 ballot.

Hours & Access: $229.1 million

Continues 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 multiple locations
• Social service referrals: Provides one community resource specialist
• Security: Funds nine of the Library’s 24 security personnel

Adds funding for:

• More all-ages programs: $19.2 million
  • Story times and other literacy programs at more locations
  • Classes and workshops to help people achieve life goals
  • Events that help bring joy and connection to people’s lives
  • Improved ADA and ESOL support for Library programs
  • Live and recorded Library programming on Seattle Channel
• Additional Community Resource Specialists: $4.1 million
• Increased security and emergency preparedness: $7.7 million
  • Funds six security officers; upgrades security systems
• New Office of Inclusion and Belonging: $2.4 million
  • Focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility

Collections: $69.4 million

Continues funding for:

• Books and materials
• Fine-free borrowing
• Collections and shelving staff

Adds funding for more:

• Physical books: $2.2 million
• Peak Picks: $2.5 million
• E-books and e-audiobooks: $9.4 million
• Collections staffing support: $1.4 million

Building Maintenance: $134.1 million

Continues funding for:

• Routine and major maintenance, including HVAC maintenance and replacements, reroofing, landscaping, janitorial/custodial, building systems and controls
• Facility support, including deep cleanings, power washing, and window washing
• Library furniture
• Capital improvement staffing and administration
• Custodial and building maintenance staffing

Adds funding for:

• Priority and deferred maintenance: $33.2 million
  • Potential life/safety concerns
  • Replacement of end-of-life systems and infrastructure
  • Cooling and heating system upgrades
  • Improved ADA accessibility, elevators, and escalators
• Seismic retrofit of the Columbia and West Seattle branches: $28 million
  • Improved seismic safety and sustainability
  • Improved public space and accessibility
• Major renovation of public space at the Central Library: $10 million
• 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

Continue funding for:

• Public and staff computers
• Printing and copying services
• Wi-Fi hotspots
• IT and Online Services staffing

Adds 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

Continues funding for:

• Levy administration
• Rate-based allocation of costs for centralized services provided by the City of Seattle

Adds funding for:

• Human Resources staffing: $2.3 million