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Washington County proposes modest levy increase to support library operations, cites rising digital demand
Summary
Library Director Jackie Kramer presented the recommended 2026 budgets for Washington County Library and the Washington County Law Library, citing growing digital circulation, staff retention work and planned facility projects; the library levy would rise about 4.6% and MELSA funding is up after 2023 legislative action.
Library Director Jackie Kramer told the Washington County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 19 that the county’s proposed 2026 library levy contains a 4.6% increase to cover rising personnel, internal rent and technology allocation costs and to support strategic priorities across the library system.
Kramer traced the budget request to the library’s 2024 strategic plan and highlighted four priorities: evaluate and improve service delivery; strengthen organizational culture and operational effectiveness; enhance physical spaces and technology infrastructure; and expand the library’s reach. “We try to be at Washington County Library a safe, welcoming, and supportive place for our community in uncertain times,” Kramer said.
The budget presentation emphasized continued growth in digital services. Kramer said the library added the streaming platform Kanopy this year and reported a peak of 888 uses in…
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