Seattle residents have strongly backed a new library levy worth $479 million: after the second day of counting, 72.4% of voters said yes to the measure. The levy is nearly double the current one, which expires at the end of the year, and will provide funding for the Seattle Public Library for the next seven years. For the typical homeowner, the cost will be about $193 per year—and, judging by the voting results, residents are willing to pay more in taxes to help preserve accessible library services.
The funds will be allocated to key areas: $229 million will go toward maintaining library hours, programs, and hiring additional security staff and specialists to help visitors access social services. Another $134 million will be used for ongoing and deferred repairs to buildings, cleaning, as well as seismic work and updates to branches. About $69 million will be directed to expanding physical and digital collections, while $38 million will support computer services, internet, and IT support. At the same time, the levy covers only a third of the library’s overall budget—not all of its expenses.
Notably, Mayor Jenny Durkan initially proposed a $410 million levy, but the City Council added nearly $60 million more to the package, including $10 million specifically for the Central Library. Now, after the measure’s approval, Seattle is moving close to the maximum level of property tax allowed under state law. That makes the levy’s win especially significant: the city has chosen libraries as a vital public resource.
Based on: Seattle library levy passes with nearly 3 in 4 voters’ support