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Seattle Public Library previews 2026 levy renewal, details usage, budget and planned upgrades
Summary
Chief Librarian Tom Faye told the City Council committee the library system is preparing a 2026 levy renewal and outlined usage statistics, a $113.5 million 2026 budget across funding sources, capital needs including air-conditioning projects, and plans to implement a new integrated library system this year.
Chair Maritza Rivera convened the Libraries, Education & Neighborhoods Committee on Jan. 14, 2026, to hear an overview from Seattle Public Library leadership as the system begins planning a 2026 levy renewal. Chief Librarian Tom Faye and Government Relations Manager Kirsten Nelson briefed the committee on operations, funding, service delivery and upcoming projects.
The presentation placed the levy renewal in context. "As we head into the final year of the library's 7-year 2019 levy," Faye said, "I do look forward to our continued discussions as chair Rivera mentioned." He reported that across all funding sources, including private gifts and grants, the 2026 library budget is $113,500,000, with the city's general fund supplying about 58% and the 2019 levy accounting for roughly 33%. Faye also said the library's foundation is providing over $5,600,000 in 2026.
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