Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Sage Wilson
Phone: 206-889-0277
Email: sage.wilson@seattle.gov
Mayor Wilson proposes 2026 Library Levy: Read. Grow. Belong.
The $410 million package would provide essential supplementary library funding for books, building maintenance, all-ages programming, and technology infrastructure investments
Today, Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced a proposal for a $410 million Library Levy that will go before Seattle City Council for consideration.
The proposed 2026 replacement levy would further critical funding for The Seattle Public Library over seven years, from 2027 through 2033. It would replace the expiring $219.1 million 2019 Library Levy, which currently accounts for one-third of the Library’s total budget.
"Seattle is a city of readers. From toddlers discovering their first stories to seniors finding connection and lifelong learning, our libraries belong to everyone," said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. "Investing in our libraries means investing in every community member, and in the shared public spaces that help our city learn, grow, imagine, and thrive together."
If voters approve the 2026 Library Levy, it will invest in access, programming, collections, building maintenance, and technology and online services across Seattle’s library system. Key investments include:
- Open hours at all 27 neighborhood branches
- More physical, e-book and audiobooks for readers of every age
- Expanded technology and online services to support learning, job access, and connection
- Building maintenance and capital improvements to care for library spaces citywide
- Additional facility and janitorial resources to keep our libraries safer, cleaner and more welcoming for everyone
“We thank Mayor Wilson for putting forward a levy proposal that reflects community needs and interests and invests in Library open hours, collections, programs, buildings, and technology,” said Chief Librarian Tom Fay. “We look forward to working in partnership with Mayor Wilson and City councilmembers through a public process that will ensure this package is something all Seattle residents can be proud to support in August.”
The proposed 2026 Library Levy proposal will be reviewed by a select committee of the Seattle City Council, which will be chaired by Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4).
“This proposal reaffirms Seattle’s reputation as a world class library system. We are a City of avid and curious readers who rely on our libraries for information and engagement,” said Councilmember Rivera. “For decades, library patrons have described their branches as beloved third places, centers of learning, and safe spaces that are worth the investment.”
“This proposed $410 million levy renewal upholds the City’s commitment to preserving library open hours; providing books in the format that readers want; delivering programming for tots all the way up to seniors; and maintaining branches that are welcoming and reflect the diversity of their neighborhoods.”
If the updated package is approved by Council, it will go to a final vote of the people on the August 4, 2026 ballot. Learn more about the proposal at https://www.spl.org/2026Levy
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- Continued open hours across Seattle’s 27 neighborhood libraries ($176.1 million), early literacy through multilingual Play & Learn sessions and other programs ($7.5 million), social service referrals ($1.2 million), and security personnel ($11 million).
- Additional all-ages programs across Library locations, including story times and literacy programs, classes and workshops, and enriching events ($12.6 million); increased security and emergency preparedness ($7.7 million); and establishment of Office of Inclusion and Belonging ($2.4 million).
- Expanded physical books and materials to maintain The Seattle Public Library’s collection of 2.9 million items ($30.8 million); fine-free borrowing ($9 million); and collections and shelving staff ($14 million). Additional e-books, audiobooks and multilingual books ($4.6 million).
- Routine and major maintenance, facility maintenance and custodial support, furniture, capital improvement staffing ($57 million) and administration ($6.7 million).
- Seismic retrofit of the historic Columbia Branch to improve earthquake safety, sustainability, and accessibility ($13 million); priority and deferred maintenance for Library locations ($10 million); and additional maintenance and custodial support to maintain safer, cleaner, and welcoming library spaces ($5.9 million).
- Public and staff computers, printing and copying services, Wi-Fi Hotspots, and staffing for Information Technology and Online Services ($25.8 million).
- Strengthening IT systems and cybersecurity ($7.4 million) and upgrading IT infrastructure for a continued fast, stable, secure Library network ($5 million).
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