Area of Impact: Funding
Our services rely on consistent funding; without it, we experience cycles that disrupt longer-term continuity of service and progress toward our goals. Our funding resources need to support ongoing and increasing costs related to personnel, collections, facilities, technologies, programs and information services.
Our Goal
Align existing financial resources to support current and future community needs, and explore funding resources beyond the City’s general fund and seven-year levies.
How We Will Make an Impact
We will:
- Develop a 2026 levy proposal as a renewal of the 2019 Library Levy to support the community’s Library needs from 2027-2033.
- Explore opportunities to supplement or replace seven-year levy funding cycles.
- Seek additional private giving in collaboration with The Seattle Public Library Foundation.
- Modernize and streamline internal systems to ensure effective management of public and philanthropic funds.
- Partner with The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Seattle Public Library to advocate for the benefits and importance of libraries.
2025 Accomplishments
- Conducted extensive engagement, including focus groups and a statistically significant survey, to understand current and future community needs for Library services. In our survey, 98% of respondents believe the Library improves the overall quality of life, and 97% believe the Library is worth the money invested.
- Strengthened partnership with The Seattle Public Library Foundation and Friends of The Seattle Public Library to better support their private giving and advocacy efforts.
2026 Priority Activities
- Support development of the Mayor’s 2026 Library Levy Renewal proposal, in alignment with community needs and interests.
- Work with our partners to develop Library advocacy strategies around e-book pricing for libraries.