Across Seattle, 27 neighborhood libraries are cornerstones of community connection, family life, learning supports, and free access to books, videos, magazines, the Internet, and more. On the August 2026 ballot, Seattle voters will have the opportunity to renew and expand the city’s existing library levy that provides critical funding for one-third of the Library’s total budget in the areas of hours and access, collections, building maintenance, and technology and online services.
As partners in early learning, literacy, and antiracism, BrightSpark strongly endorses this levy.
Vote “YES” on Proposal 1 to approve the Library Levy!
What Will This Levy Do?
If approved, the levy will continue supplementary funding for Seattle libraries over seven years (2027-2033), in alignment with and in support of the Library’s 2024-2033 Strategic Plan.
The proposal seeks to fund:
- Continued open hours at 27 libraries – protecting access to books, trusted information, and free programs for people of all ages
- More physical books, e-books, and e-audiobooks – providing current, strong, and amply stocked collections across all branches
- Staffing and retention of experienced library and education staff;more resources to keep libraries safe, clean, and well-maintained in every neighborhood
Why Does this Levy Matter for Early Learning?
As part of the library’s strategic plan and focus on early literacy, BrightSpark partners with local branches to offer Kaleidoscope Play & Learn (KPL) groups, which are funded by the levy.
KPLs are free, accessible, inclusive, quality early learning programming that welcome every child and support Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers. Through evidence-informed practices, KPLs give children play-based learning time while also educating caregivers on child development, school readiness, and how to turn everyday activities into learning opportunities. KPLs are also effective tools for building and strengthening family social connections.
Per the Library Levy Progress Reports, in the first three months of 2026 the Library offered “around 80 levy-funded Play and Learn programs in four languages and at seven locations: the Beacon Hill, Columbia, Delridge, Lake City, New Holly, Rainier Beach, and South Park branches. We also added a new Play & Learn group at the Northgate Branch, facilitated by Denise Louie Education Center, through funding from Best Starts for Kids King County.”
In addition to maintaining current KPLs, this new levy will dedicate $4.5 million in funding for Play & Learn groups to expand to new communities and in new languages.
The levy will be funded through an increase in property taxes for Seattle property owners, costing the average Seattle homeowner just an additional $30 per year.
Get Out the Vote!
As one of many organizations and people endorsing this levy, we encourage Seattle voters to:
- Learn about the levy here
- Share our information sheet about the levy with your friends and neighbors
- Follow us on social media to find more information and share it with your network
- Vote YES for the levy by 8 pm on August 4 by returning ballots at a ballot drop box, in the mail, or at an accessible voting center to support this critical funding.
Vote “YES” on Proposal 1 to maintain and expand early learning programs to children, families, and caregivers across Seattle.
Join an Advocacy Pod!
Want to be a part of advocacy year-round? Join BrightSpark’s Advocacy Pods to get monthly updates or join monthly meetings with fellow early learning advocates.
Support Our Advocacy Work
BrightSpark is only able to do this work because of the financial support from our community. Consider donating today to keep our momentum going!