On February 13, 2024, the Library will ask the community to renew the levy that now funds 18% of library operations and services. The Levy Measure will allow the Library to continue the expanded operations and services put in place with the passage of the original levy lid lift in 2013 and 2017.
To continue to meet the needs of the community, we ask for a renewal at the current rate of the levy lid lift for a duration of three years. This is an existing tax.
Some of the expanded operations since last levy lid lift in 2017 include:
- 500% Increase in free meeting rooms and event space (from 7 rooms to 42 rooms)
- 455% increase in free events offered (540 in 2018 to ~3000 in 2023)
- In 2023, we will welcome more than 1 million visitors through our doors, a 10% increase in gate count over 2017
- In 2022, we had 60,000 hours of free meeting room usage across all locations’ 42 meeting rooms. As of October 2023, we’ve had more than 18,000 free meeting, study, and event space reservations for a total of 57,000 hours of usage.
If the Levy Renewal passes the library will continue:
- Access to all locations 7-days a week
- Access to civic and cultural events
- Access to meeting and community gathering spaces and media studios
- Access to early literacy programming like story time and STEM and art education for youth
- Support of small businesses and economic development
- Expanded partnership with Spokane Public Schools
If the Levy Renewal fails the library will:
- Experience diminished operations and services
- Reduced days and hours of services
- Reduced access to free educational resources
- Reduced access to free community space
- Reduced purchasing of materials
Cost of Library Levy Renewal
This is an existing tax and the tax rate will not change. The existing City of Spokane Library Levy has been dedicating a rate of seven cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to the library since 2013. If renewed, this measure of seven cents per $1,000 of assessed property value would continue for three years, 2025-2027.
The median-priced home in Spokane ($418,000) would contribute approximately $28 per year.
FAQs
What is the measure?
On February 13, 2024, the Library will ask voters to renew or reject the levy that funds 18% of Library operations. If renewed, the levy lid lift will continue the existing levy at the current rate for duration of three years (2025–2027).
How much will my property taxes increase if I vote yes?
This is an existing tax, and the tax rate will not change. The existing City of Spokane Library Levy has been dedicating a rate of seven cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to the library since 2013. If renewed, this measure of seven cents per $1,000 of assessed property value would continue for three years, 2025-2027. The median-priced home in Spokane ($418,000) would contribute approximately $28 per year.
If my home value increases again, how does this impact my tax bill?
The levy is subject to a 1% increase cap/limiter per year. Even if assessed home values skyrocket, homeowners would only see a 1% increase in taxes from prior year for libraries.
I don’t own a home or I rent my home, how much do I pay?
Renters do not pay anything toward the property tax levy.
How was the rate decided?
Spokane Public Library is asking voters to renew the library levy at the same rate (.07 cents per $1,000 of assessed property values). This is the same rate voters approved in 2013 and renewed in 2017. This amount was determined in 2013 to keep library locations from closing and to expand hours and services at neighborhood branches. Historically, the general fund allocation from the city has been insufficient to provide adequate service to the public. To minimize cost to taxpayers, Spokane Public Library is seeking the same amount in our current ask. Despite the rising costs of doing business, Spokane Public Library’s has an effective strategy that maximizes our financial resources for the greater benefit without a rate increase to the public.
Didn’t voters just approve a Bond?
In 2018, voters approved a $77 million Bond to renovate 4 libraries and build 3 new libraries. Bond dollars can only be used for construction of new facilities, while Levy dollars are operational. Over the past 5 years, the Library has completed construction of 3 new libraries and renovation of 4 existing libraries bringing enhanced twenty-first century facilities to the community. These cutting-edge facilities include four-times the public meeting space, whimsical children’s areas, traditional books and materials and technology access, and space for neighborhood connection. Despite increasing the amount of space, services, and amenities the Library offers to the public, the Library is requesting the same amount of operational levy funding that voters approved in 2013 and 2017.
How should I vote?
We can’t tell you whether to vote yes or no, but you can use the information on this website to educate yourself and decide how to vote.
When will I receive my ballot?
Ballots will be mailed to voters on January 26 and are due on Tuesday February 13.
Questions? Contact Executive Director Andrew Chanse at director@spokanelibrary.org.
