Library seeks levy LID lift

The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) will go out for its first replacement levy in 16 years during the August 5 primary election.

The WCLS Board of Trustees approved placing the first levy lid lift since 2009 on August ballots during its March 28 meeting. If approved by voters, the measure would restore the existing levy rate of $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The levy would continue funding daily operations, which would allow WCLS to work on deferred maintenance and consider library building projects. Without it, the library system would need to reduce library hours and eliminate staff, according to WCLS.

The library trustees decided to go out for a levy now, in part, because of inflation that’s averaged 4-8 percent annually for several years has caused expenses to outpace revenue.

“The library system is careful and intentional in managing resources, but it is apparent that we have come to a point where rising costs require action,” WCLS Board of Trustees vice chair Matthew Santos wrote in a statement. “The resolution to pursue a levy lid lift in August is a proactive step to support our libraries’ ability to maintain services and staff.”

The owner of a $400,000 home would pay an additional $64 per year. An owner of a $600,000 home, the additional annual cost would be $96 or $8 more per month, and an owner of a $800,000 home would pay an additional $128 per year.

The levy will require a majority of 50 percent plus one vote, to pass.

WCLS serves Whatcom County residents outside of Bellingham city limits. It has 10 branches, including locations in Blaine, and a bookmobile that serves Birch Bay and other rural communities. The Birch Bay Vogt Library Express construction is funded through state and private funding, but WCLS will cover operation costs when it opens.

In 2024, 61,846 people checked out 2.1 million library items and 54,748 people attended 2,252 free library programs, according to WCLS.

For more information on the levy, visit wcls.org/levy.v