Library Levy Proposition 1 on the August 2026 Ballot
Why is Spokane County Library District (SCLD) asking for funding now?
The Board of Trustees has determined that the current level of funding is not enough to support the present level of services and available materials provided by SCLD, nor is it enough to meet the demand for services and materials in the future.
Voters will be asked to consider a measure on the August 2026 ballot to restore the regular property tax levy rate that funds daily operations and maintenance.
Passage of this levy is necessary to meet ongoing expenses and anticipated cost increases for the next five years impacting Airway Heights, Argonne, Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Medical Lake, Moran Prairie, North Spokane, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley Libraries, as well as SCLD Mobile Services.
If voters say YES
SCLD will:
- Maintain core library services at existing levels throughout Spokane County
- Improve, maintain, and repair facilities to ensure a more welcoming, comfortable, and convenient customer experience
- Continue mobile library services that provide learning opportunities to child- and adult-care facilities and for those in the more rural communities
- Expand safety and security, including installing additional security cameras
- Increase the digital collection of eBooks, audio downloads, and streaming offerings
If voters say NO
SCLD will:
- Pursue other revenue sources such as charging fees for meeting room use
- Acquire fewer new digital resources, increasing wait times
- Reduce library hours, materials, and personnel
- Shift available funds to facility repairs and maintenance reducing literacy and resource programming for all ages
- Close one or more libraries
How much will the levy cost?
Approximately 97% of SCLD’s funding comes from property taxes. The current levy rate is approximately $0.33 cents per $1000 assessed valuation (AV). SCLD fiscally plans ahead to maintain and offer services based on customer needs and population growth, and the current level of funding is not enough to support the present level of services and collections beyond 2027.
Voters will be asked to restore the property tax levy rate that funds daily operations and maintenance of the libraries to $0.45 cents per $1000 AV, which is below the statutory maximum of $0.50 per $1000 AV. This levy restoration would raise the levy rate by $0.12 cents per $1000 AV.
The estimated increased property tax on a home would be as follows:
| Home value | Annual increase amount | Added monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| $350,000 | $42.00 | $3.50 |
| $450,000 | $54.00 | $4.50 |
If YES:
SCLD’s plans for allocating additional funds if the levy rate is restored
If voters restore the levy rate, SCLD will continue to provide access to informational and educational opportunities for all ages as well as improve and preserve library facilities by doing the following.
Prepare our community for long-term success by:
- Increasing economic learning opportunities that focus on personal finance, work-ready skill sets, and small business support
- Further investing in education programs for young children that prepare them to start kindergarten ready to learn
- Expanding supportive resources and services responsive to the aging population in the community
Develop more opportunities to meet and learn together by:
- Emphasizing educational and entertainment programs that encourage families and communities to learn and enjoy together
- Connecting people to services and resources that help our residents make informed choices
- Continuing mobile services to child- and adult-care facilities and to rural communities throughout Spokane County
Improve and preserve all library facilities and services by:
- Increasing the digital collection to bring more eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, streaming movies and music, and online learning resources to customers’ devices
- Replacing outdated building systems and interiors and reducing energy costs
- Enhancing ADA accessibility for the public and employees
If NO:
- SCLD will begin determining where and when programs, library hours, materials, and personnel need to be reduced
- Major maintenance projects, such as HVAC replacement, roofing repairs, and other projects will be postponed
- SCLD will begin determining where and when community libraries will be closed
