MEDIA ADVISORY: Public Hearing for 2026 Library Levy on Thursday, April 2

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 03/31/2026 04:02 PM PDT
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Media Advisory

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2026

FROM THE OFFICE OF: Councilmember Maritza Rivera

CONTACT: Wendy Sykes, Chief of Staff for Councilmember Rivera
206-684-8804 or wendy.sykes@seattle.gov

Public Hearing for 2026 Library Levy on Thursday, April 2

SEATTLE – Councilmember Marita Rivera (District 4), chair of the Select Committee on the Library Levy, will host a public hearing beginning at 5:30 p.m. this Thursday to hear from constituents about the 2026 Library Levy proposal. Members of the public can participate in two ways:

  • In-person: Register to speak on the Public Hearing sign-up sheet located inside Council Chambers starting 30 minutes prior to the meeting start time. Registration will end at the conclusion of the Public Hearing.
  • Virtual: Register online to speak during the Public Hearing. Online registration to speak remotely will begin two hours before the meeting start time and will end at the conclusion of the Public Hearing. Speakers must be registered in order to be recognized by the Chair.

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. The Select Committee on the Library Levy began its meetings about levy renewal on March 11, in preparation for placement of the levy on the August 2026 primary ballot.

Additional information, including a full list of committee dates, can be found on the City Council’s 2026 Library Levy Renewal webpage. 

Public Hearing information

  • WHO:             Select Committee on the Library Levy
  • WHAT:            Public Hearing
  • WHEN:           Thursday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m.
  • WHERE:        Council Chamber, City Hall, 600 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 

Those unable to attend in person can watch a livestream online via the Seattle Channel here. 

MEDIA: To request an interview or accommodations please contact Brad Harwood at 206-798-7577 or brad.harwood@seattle.gov.    


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.  

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