Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Danielle Holland
Phone: 206-809-4382
Email: Danielle.Holland@seattle.gov
2026 Library Levy Proposal passes to Seattle Voters on August Ballot
Seattle, WA - Today, Mayor Katie B. Wilson signed legislation to place a levy proposal before Seattle voters on the August 4, 2026 ballot. If approved, the measure would fund The Seattle Public Library’s collections, programs, services, technology, and buildings.
The Seattle City Council unanimously passed 2026 Library Levy legislation on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
If approved by voters, the 7-year, $480 million levy would sustain open hours across 27 locations while expanding resources for a growing City. Investments would include increased funding for collections, including physical books, e-books, and the popular Peak Picks collection, as well as technology upgrades including cybersecurity and network infrastructure improvements. The levy would also support critical building needs, including seismic retrofits and renovations at the Columbia and West Seattle branches, renovations at the Central Library, and upgrades to elevators, escalator and HVAC systems.
“This August, voters have the opportunity to invest in the future of our libraries and the communities they serve,” said Mayor Wilson. “By supporting this proposal, we’re strengthening the shared public spaces that bring people together and expand opportunity, creativity, and lifelong learning across our city.”
Mayor Wilson announced the proposal in February 2026, and it was reviewed and amended by a select committee of the Seattle City Council in April.
“Libraries are an integral part of communities across our city, and they are beloved by Seattle residents. As Chair of the Select Committee on the Library Levy, I was proud to have provided a thorough and transparent renewal process," said Councilmember Rivera. "Seattle residents, and my council colleagues, got to weigh in on what they wanted to see. And now, as part of the democratic process, voters will have their opportunity to decide.”
The 2026 Library Levy would replace the expiring 2019 Library Levy, which currently accounts for one-third of the Library’s total budget.
“We thank Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Rivera, and all Seattle City Councilmembers for their partnership in developing a levy proposal that funds The Seattle Public Library’s heavily used collections, programs, services, and spaces,” said Chief Librarian Tom Fay. “This proposal was guided by feedback from thousands of Library patrons and dozens of partners, resulting in a proposal that seeks to be responsive to community priorities.”
Highlights of the Library Levy proposal include:
Hours & Access: $229.1 million
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Continued open hours and Library services at the Central Library and 26 neighborhood branch locations.
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More all-ages programs, including story times, multilingual early learning play & learns, classes, workshops, author events, and more
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Additional security and emergency preparedness resources and social service referrals.
Collections: $69.4 million
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More physical books, e-books, e-audiobooks and other Library materials, including more Peak Picks, the Library’s no holds, no wait collection of popular materials.
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Continued fine-free borrowing for all Library patrons.
Building Maintenance: $134.1 million
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Improved seismic safety and renovations of the Columbia and West Seattle branches.
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Major renovation of a public space at the Central Library.
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Routine, deferred, and major maintenance, including cooling and heating system upgrades and maintenance, ADA accessibility improvements, reroofing, landscaping, janitorial/custodial, building systems and controls.
Technology & Online Services: $38.2 million
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Public technology, such as computers, printing and copying services, Wi-Fi hotspots, and more.
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Upgraded IT infrastructure for a continued fast, stable, secure Library network; increased cybersecurity oversight and management; modernized end-of-life legacy systems.
Administration: $9 million
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