RELEASE: Councilmember Foster introduces Library Levy amendments focusing on children and families

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 03/31/2026 01:05 PM PDT
City Council logo

News Release

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2026

FROM THE OFFICE OF: Councilmember Dionne Foster

CONTACT: Brad Harwood, Communications Director
206-798-7577 or brad.harwood@seattle.gov

Councilmember Foster introduces Library Levy amendments focusing on children and families

Proposals include much-needed renovation funds, English learning programs, Central Library support and community services

SEATTLE – Councilmember Dionne Foster (Position 9) today introduced three amendments in the proposed 2026 Library Levy renewal process that the Select Committee on the Library Levy is considering. The amendments, including one cosponsored with Councilmember Debora Juarez (District 5), will expand access to education and opportunity, promote equity, lift up places where communities come together, and invest in libraries as treasured landmarks and spaces for learning and discovery.

"Our libraries are one of the last true third places we have. Spaces where children and families can gather, learn, and feel a sense of belonging without barriers. These amendments are about meeting that moment. By investing in multilingual programs, expanding access to learning, and strengthening the people who help connect residents to critical services, we’re making sure our libraries reflect and serve the full diversity of Seattle’s families,” said Councilmember Foster. “And by making critical capital improvements now, we’re ensuring the Central Library can continue to show up for the next generation of children and families in a space that is safe, welcoming, and built for how people use it today and how people will use it in the years to come.”

"I'm proud to co-sponsor this amendment to expand the Kaleidoscope Play and Learn program – right now only offered at the Lake City branch and only in English -- despite the increasingly diverse, multilingual families in our community,” said Councilmember Juarez. “The need for culturally responsive programming is clear, in proximity to new housing and preschool programs at the Nook at Northaven and new Lake City Community Center opening soon. Expanding Kaleidoscope also supports nearby Seattle Preschool programs, the Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA), and North Helpline – services meeting the diverse families of District 5 where they are and ensuring that more children can benefit."

Councilmember Foster’s amendments include:

  • Amendment 1 – $10 million increase for major renovation at the Central Library including the Children’s Area or the Seattle Room for patrons
  • Amendment 2 – $4.5 million increase for expansion of English for Speakers of Other Languages programs and play and learn programs to additional library branches. Co-sponsored by Councilmember Juarez.
  • Amendment 3 – $4.06 million increase for four full-time Community Resource Specialists and upgrades to security badge access to the Central Library. Community Resource Specialists connect Library patrons to social services, such as shelter, healthcare, transportation, food, and clothing. These additional positions are intended to match open hours and provide additional staffing in high-need areas. Badge access improvement would be part of a pilot to co-locate a Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) team at the Central Library.

Background

The 2026 Library Levy proposes a $410 million investment in critical funding for The Seattle Public Library over seven years, from 2027 through 2033. It would replace the $219.1 million 2019 Library Levy, which expires at the end of this year, and currently accounts for one-third of the Library’s total budget.

What’s next

The community will have an opportunity to give public comment to the Select Committee on the Library Levy at a public hearing on Thursday, April 2 at City Hall. The anticipated final committee vote on the proposed package, including amendments, is scheduled for April 8.


About the City Council
The Seattle City Council is the elected legislative branch of the city’s government. It’s comprised of nine councilmembers serving four-year terms and representing 800,000 constituents — seven selected by districts and two through citywide positions. For the latest news and information, please visit seattle.gov/council.

# # #