Dear patrons,
This week, Seattle voters approved the $480 million, seven-year 2026 Library Levy with currently 72% of voters saying yes to the measure. While important votes are still being counted, we believe this is a strong win for our libraries.
We are so thankful that Seattle voters continue to support and fund a strong and vibrant library system through the Library Levy.
This funding will allow us to continue providing open hours, growing our collection, maintaining buildings, securing digital infrastructure, and growing our program offerings.
It will also fund space improvements at the Central Library and seismic retrofits at the historic Columbia and West Seattle branches. It will help make real the goals and impacts outlined in our 2024-2033 Strategic Plan, including building our community’s sense of belonging and our organizational resiliency.
At a time when libraries across the U.S. are experiencing book bans, budget cuts, and closures, this vote speaks volumes about Seattle’s values and the confidence voters have in The Seattle Public Library and its stewardship of public funds.
Thank you for being our Library patrons – whether you are new to town, or you have had a memorized SPL card number for decades – your needs, interests, and your voice are so important to us. We are excited to continue serving you for many years to come!
Thank you to Mayor Wilson for proposing this measure, as well as the Seattle City Council, the Library Board of Trustees, the Yes Seattle Libraries campaign, AFSCME Local 2083, The Seattle Public Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Seattle Public Library for all they have done to support this important win.
To learn more about this funding proposal, visit www.spl.org/2026levy.
Tom Fay
Executive Director and Chief Librarian
