The Brief
- Mayor Katie Wilson proposed a $410 million levy to fund the Seattle Public Library from 2027 to 2033, replacing the current 2019 levy that expires this year.
- The proposal aims to expand hours at all 27 neighborhood branches and increase funding for books, digital collections, building maintenance, and technology services.
- The Seattle City Council will review the measure, and if approved, it will be placed on the August 2026 ballot for a final vote by residents.
SEATTLE – Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced Tuesday a proposal for a $410 million levy to support the city’s public libraries.
The proposed replacement levy would provide “critical funding” for the Seattle Public Library between 2027–2033, and would follow the $219.1 million Library Levy which was adopted in 2019 and expires this year.
According to the mayor’s office, the 2019 Levy accounts for a third of Seattle Public Library‘s total budget.
What’s in the Library Levy proposal?
The proposed 2026 levy would invest in access, programming, collections, technology services and building maintenance.…