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Seattle Public Library leaders warn $5 million capital cut risks programs and services
Summary
The Seattle Public Library Foundation asked the Select Budget Committee to protect library capital funding after a proposed $5 million cut to SPL's capital projects budget; foundation CEO Brian Lawrence said a levy transfer stabilizes operations for 2026 but does not resolve long-term capital needs.
Brian Lawrence, CEO of the Seattle Public Library Foundation, told the Select Budget Committee on Oct. 7 that the foundation and thousands of donors support library services and urged the council to "safeguard funding for the Seattle Public Library." He said a proposed $5 million reduction in the library's capital projects budget would be harmful even as a one-time levy-dollar transfer ensures operational stability for 2026.
"We are the nonprofit partner of the library," Lawrence said, noting that "thousands of donors provide more than $5,000,000 in investment every year to enhance library programs and services." He urged council members to consider the long-term implications for capital projects and for planning the next library levy.
The committee did not take action on library capital funding during the hearing. The library request joins other public pleas for shelter, rental assistance and community services as the committee prepares further deliberations and a scheduled vote on a related public-safety sales-tax proposal the following day.
