Levy proposal continues 2019 investments in open hours, books and materials, technology access, and children’s programming

Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) joined Mayor Katie Wilson, Seattle Public Library’s Chief Librarian Tom Fay, and Library Board of Trustees President Yazmin Mehdi to receive the transmittal of the Library Levy proposal to the City Council. The 2026 levy proposal maintains the 2019 levy’s focus areas: Operating hours and Access; Helping Children; Collections (Books and Materials); Technology and Online Services; Building Maintenance; and Administration and Central Costs. These are the areas that patrons have described as their priorities.

“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 welcoming branches that reflect the diversity of their neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Rivera, Chair of the Libraries, Education and Neighborhoods Committee. “For decades, library patrons have described their branches as beloved third places, centers of learning, and safe spaces that are worth the investment.”

Councilmember Rivera will lead the Council’s levy renewal process as Chair of the Select Committee on the Library Levy. The Select Committee will vote on a final proposal to place on the ballot in August 2026. The first Select Committee meeting, which will include an overview of the 2019 Library Levy, will be held on March 11.

“I want to thank Mayor Wilson’s office for their collaboration on this levy renewal,” Councilmember Rivera said about partnering with the Mayor’s Office on the proposal. “Any time we can work together on projects like this, the City benefits.”

What’s next

The Select Committee will begin meeting on March 11, 2026. Once approved, the proposal will go to the full City Council for a final vote. If approved, the levy will be on the ballot this August.

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