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Seattle library officials say levy funds preserved hours and absorbed budget shortfall
Summary
Seattle Public Library officials told a City Council committee that levy dollars fund about one-third of the library budget, support roughly 25% of staffing that keeps branches open, and were used in 2026 to absorb a $5 million general-fund reduction tied to a Columbia branch retrofit.
Seattle Public Library leaders told the City Council Education & Neighborhoods Committee on Feb. 25 that levy revenue remains central to keeping branches open and maintaining services across the city. Chief Librarian Tom Fay said the levy contributes about one-third of the library budget while the general fund provides roughly 58% of SPL’s 2026 operating budget.
Fay said the levy funds roughly 25% of all library positions and supports operations at 27…
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