SPOKANE, Wash. — Ten local libraries that are almost completely funded by property taxes will ask voters to approve more funding in this year’s primary election.
The Spokane County Library District says its current levy isn’t enough to keep up with rising operational costs. The district will place a levy increase on the August ballot.
“We have an inevitable point where the inflation is greater than our revenue increase,” said Patrick Roewe, executive director of the Spokane County Library District.
A person who owns a $350,000 home currently pays an estimated $115 annually to maintain these local libraries. If the levy passes, it’s estimated that they could pay another $42 per year.
SCLD says it can be costly to replace windows, repaint buildings and update HVAC systems.
“A lot of our buildings are at least 25 years or older,” Roewe said.
They’ll also have enough to make modern purchases, like buying more digital ebooks.
“A lot of our community has transitioned as technology has grown so folks can have access to the library 24/7 on their device at home,” said Danielle Milton, library manager.
If the measure fails, the library district could seek other sources for revenue. For example, the community rooms that are currently free and available for everyone, could have a room charge.
Not every homeowner is willing to vote to restore the levy.
“When you think of all the other ballot measures to go around school levies, fire district levies, this, that and the other thing… Yeah. In the long run, it does add up,” said Mike Wells, a homeowner.
Libraries share a different perspective on their value to the community.
“Everybody is here from the littlest to the oldest, folks from various economic backgrounds, different cultural backgrounds. We see the cross-section of everybody in our community. And we’re thrilled to be able to provide this service for folks,” Milton said.
If approved, the property tax library levy would take effect next year.
COPYRIGHT 2026 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
