Library Holds Informational Meetings on Proposed Library Levy Renewal
release date: April 3, 2019
The Seattle Public Library will hold three information meetings in April to share information on a proposed Library levy renewal.
At the meetings, the public will hear from Chief Librarian Marcellus Turner on why a levy renewal is being proposed, priorities for levy funds and the cost.
The current Library levy expires at the end of 2019 and provides 24 percent of the Library’s budget. Current levy funds helped restore many services and resources that were cut during the prolonged economic downturn. The proposed 7-year $213.3 million levy renewal would cost the median homeowner about $7 per month.
The levy renewal is focused on the same four priority areas as the current levy: Improving Library hours, physical and digital collections, technology, and building maintenance. It also includes funds to increase Library hours, support more e-materials, fund seismic retrofitting for three Carnegie branches, replace the internet access infrastructure and eliminate fines.
The information meetings are scheduled as follows:
- 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 12, Columbia Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave. S.
- 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 13, Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Microsoft Auditorium
- 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, Green Lake Branch, 7364 E. Green Lake Dr. N.
The Library levy proposal was developed in collaboration with Mayor Jenny Durkan and is currently being reviewed by the City Council for possible inclusion on the Aug. 6, 2019 ballot.