Seattle Public Library leaders warn $5 million capital cut risks programs and services
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.
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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.
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