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Dozens testify in support of Seattle library levy amendments; concerns raised about taxes and operations
Summary
Dozens of Seattle residents, trustees and foundation leaders testified April 2 in favor of including amendments to expand collections, e‑books, cooling and seismic work in a proposed $410 million library levy; a few speakers warned about tax limits and operational needs such as extended hours and behavioral supports.
Dozens of residents, library trustees and foundation representatives gave one‑minute remarks at the Select Committee on the Library Levy’s April 2 public hearing, overwhelmingly urging the council to approve funded amendments that would expand collections, e‑books and programming, add cooling, and support seismic retrofits and deferred maintenance.
Speakers representing neighborhood users and library groups repeatedly named amendments by Councilmembers Foster, Juarez, Lin, Rinck and Strauss. "The public library is a remarkable, unique and almost miraculous service," said Steve Delvecchio, a Wedgwood resident and longtime library volunteer, urging additional funding for frontline staff. Janel Blakely urged the committee to correct reporting about tax impact, saying a $410 million replacement levy "would take the city from $2.96 to $3.03, an increase of just 7 cents." Matt Hillman, board president of the Seattle Library Foundation, urged particular attention to Rinck's amendment to expand e‑books so more residents can access new releases.
Many speakers emphasized the library’s role as a free, walkable 'third place' for immigrants, students and families. Susan Lu, interim executive director in the CID and a local author, said libraries were critical to her family’s access to resources and healing and asked the council to "provide more resources for our community to heal." Several trustees and Friends/Foundation board members noted the board's commitment to delivering promised levy projects.
Not all testimony supported adding the proposed amendments. A caller identified as Colleen, a longtime resident, said she "supports this library levy but reject[s] all of the new very expensive amendments," warning that the proposal risks exceeding levy limits under chapter 84.55 RCW and could strain renters and homeowners. Remote participant David Haynes raised operational concerns including extended hours and managing behavioral incidents in library spaces.
Clerk and chair statements noted there were 30 in‑person speakers and five remote speakers; each had one minute under committee rules. After all registered speakers spoke, Chair Rivera closed the public hearing. The committee took no formal votes at the session and adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
