STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. — Stevens County libraries will reduce operating hours by 50 hours per week after voters rejected a property tax levy increase of 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Starting June 15, five libraries will close on Mondays: Chewelah, Colville, Kettle Falls, Lakeside and Loon Lake. The Northport and Hunters libraries will close on Fridays beginning June 26.
The closures stem from a $250,000 budget shortfall after the district exhausted its reserves. Medical insurance costs are expected to increase by 14% in 2027.
“Every possible savings measure had been taken by the district over the last 25 plus years, prior to running the library levy,” said Library Director Amanda Six. “Without the passage of the levy, we must cut staff hours, which means closing libraries at least one day in order to balance the budget.”
Property taxes make up 95% of revenue but can only increase 1% annually by law. The district had already cut 100 public service hours per week since 2011 and left three positions unfilled.
All 31 employees will take unpaid furlough leave for six days in both 2026 and 2027, reducing expenses by $31,662 annually. The district will pause all storytimes and eliminate other programs.
Despite cuts, demand grows. Downloadable usage increased 854% over 15 years, and 24,000 people used library wifi.
“Unlike a business, we don’t see an increase in funds that matches an increase in usage,” Six said.
For more information, visit thelosc.org.
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