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2024 candidates weigh in on public libraries

Hear from candidates for Seattle City Council and Washington State Legislature.

This is an important election for the library. Many opportunities — and challenges — lie ahead at the local, state, and national levels. Issues include shrinking budgets, high costs for library infrastructure projects, and growing materials needs.

We need elected officials to understand the importance of the library in our community and prioritize funding and policies that will keep our library strong. In partnership with Friends of The Seattle Public Library, we sent a survey to candidates running in two key races this fall: a citywide seat on the Seattle City Council, and an open seat in the State House of Representatives.

Before you vote, read more about where candidates stand on key library issues. (Note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.)

Seattle City Council – Position 8 (Citywide)

Two candidates are running to complete the final year of a term vacated by former Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda. Alexis Mercedes Rinck (left) is running against Councilmember Tanya Woo (right), who was appointed to fill the vacant seat. There will be another election for the next full term for this seat in 2025.

How do you use the library?

Mercedes Rinck: I love libraries! To me, a library is more than just a place to borrow books – it’s a hub for community engagement. Over the years, I’ve gone to the library for small musical performances and to hear from authors and other speakers. I’m squarely in between the Capitol Hill Branch and Douglass-Truth Branch so I tend to go to both. It’s always great to see people coming together to learn and share ideas. I was reminded of how vital these public programs are for connecting neighbors and building a stronger, more informed community. Whether it’s grabbing a new read or participating in events, libraries are crucial, and I’ll always work to support and protect these spaces for everyone.

Woo: Libraries have always been my refuge. Growing up, I spent countless afternoons at the Beacon Hill Branch, diving into the latest Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys mysteries. My sister, on the other hand, was always thrilled to snag the newest Baby-Sitters Club book. I always made sure we never missed an arts and craft day at the library. These days, while I love visiting the Central Library, the pandemic has shifted most of my reading to digital library books. The last library event I attended was Ron Chew’s reading of his memoir, “My Unforgotten Seattle” — a deeply memorable experience.

In order to keep libraries open, accessible, seismically safe, and climate resilient, significant investments are required. If elected, how would you address the library’s infrastructure needs given the City budget shortfall?

Mercedes Rinck: I fully recognize that with aging infrastructure and inflation, the need for investments in maintenance and upgrades – like ADA access improvements, seismic safety, and climate resilience – is urgent. While we face difficult budget decisions in both the City and State, I believe we must prioritize funding for essential public services, and libraries fall squarely into that category. Libraries support educational and economic opportunities for people of all ages, and maintaining them is non-negotiable. If elected, I will advocate for progressive revenue solutions to create sustainable funding for public services. I also support exploring partnerships and grants, and leveraging state and federal funding to help meet the long-term needs of our library system. Protecting these spaces, especially when they serve as critical lifelines for many, is a priority for me, and I will work to ensure our libraries remain open, accessible, and resilient for generations to come.

Woo: I believe libraries are the heart of our communities — a safe haven for people of all ages. The Seattle Public Library system is vital for keeping our city connected, and this isn’t just a budget issue; it’s a matter of priorities. With the looming budget shortfalls, we must make sure that library hours and safety are front and center in this year’s budget discussions. Libraries play a crucial role in community safety, providing a trusted space for everyone. It’s also time to get ahead on planning for the library levy. Securing additional funding will require creative, multi-pronged approaches. We need to advocate strongly at not just the city but also at the state levels as well. Like schools, libraries are essential services. We need to look at changing our tax system at the state level. We would also explore public-private partnerships to fill any funding gaps. Community fundraising campaigns and corporate sponsorships for specific projects, like modernizing library buildings, could be key to maintaining these spaces. As libraries are safe havens, any new infrastructure investments must prioritize climate resilience and sustainability for the long-term. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure our libraries have the funding they need to continue their essential work for generations to come.

How would you help the library find solutions to address the high cost of e-books?

Mercedes Rinck: On this, I would support efforts at the state level to push for fairer pricing models from publishers, ensuring that libraries aren’t paying significantly more for digital content than physical books. Libraries should be able to purchase and retain e-books, just like physical books, rather than being forced into expensive subscription models. Additionally, I would encourage partnerships between libraries, other public institutions, and even tech companies to explore innovative ways of reducing costs. We could also work to secure grant funding or pursue other state and federal resources to help cover the costs of digital materials, ensuring that libraries can continue to meet the demand for e-books without sacrificing other critical services. Access to information should not come with such prohibitive costs, and I’ll work to ensure our libraries can provide both digital and physical resources for all.

Woo: We need a strategy that balances the growing demand for digital collections with the realities of our budget constraints. We can look at allocating more money for e-books and I would love to explore other possibilities through a stakeholders group who could look at the following: One approach is to advocate for fair pricing and better terms from publishers by forming coalitions with other library systems facing similar challenges. We should push for more equitable pricing structures so libraries aren’t paying a premium for e-books. Exploring alternative licensing models, like pay-per-use or metered access, could help reduce overall costs, especially for less popular titles, while still meeting the demand for high-interest books. I also see an opportunity for greater collaboration with tech companies and universities to create shared digital platforms. This could make educational or scholarly materials more widely available, potentially for free. Additionally, we should encourage local authors and creators to publish directly through library platforms, building a strong, community-driven digital collection.

What support should elected officials provide the library in the wake of the recent cyberattack and to prevent future attacks?

Mercedes Rinck: The ransomware attack on The Seattle Public Library was a clear sign that we need to prioritize cybersecurity for public institutions like SPL to prevent future attacks and minimize the disruption they cause. As an elected official, I would push for increasing funding specifically aimed at strengthening the library’s cybersecurity infrastructure. This could include investing in advanced security systems, staff training on cyber threats, and regular system audits to identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Additionally, I would push for state and federal support to help libraries cover the high costs of recovery after such attacks, ensuring that they are not forced to divert funding from other vital services or infrastructure needs. Collaborating with other cities and library systems could also provide valuable shared resources and expertise, creating a network of support to safeguard our public spaces from future cyber threats.

Woo: SPL is more than just a place to borrow books — it’s a community hub that offers meeting spaces and fosters connection. When services are disrupted, like during a cyberattack, the impact is felt across the entire community. The city needs to step up and provide continuous support to ensure SPL, and all public institutions, are better protected against future cyberattacks. We must prioritize increased funding for cybersecurity infrastructure — things like advanced firewalls, encryption, and system monitoring should be at the forefront to prevent this from happening again. It’s essential that SPL partners with other local library systems, as well as city, state, and federal cybersecurity programs, to access the latest resources and training to guard against cyber threats. I’m also interested in exploring the creation of an emergency technology fund. This could help minimize downtime and ensure that library services bounce back quickly in the event of another disruption. Finally, we need to enhance digital safety education for the entire community, empowering people to stay safe in an increasingly digital world.

What message will you share with constituents frustrated by the recent changes to library hours?

Mercedes Rinck: I completely acknowledge the frustration many feel about the limited hours at our library branches. Staffing shortages are affecting many public services right now, and unfortunately, it’s not a quick fix. However, I’m committed to ensuring our libraries, and other public services, are fully staffed and open consistently. I will be a strong advocate for the resources needed to get our libraries back to full capacity. In the interim, I’ll push for creative short-term solutions, like extending volunteer opportunities or partnering with other organizations to keep essential services going. But my long-term focus will be on making sure our libraries remain open and accessible to all, with the reliable staffing they need to serve our community.

Woo: I understand and share your concerns. Libraries are essential spaces for safety, learning, and community connection, and every branch should be accessible and open consistently. Many people rely on libraries for internet access and as a gathering place, so the reduction in hours is deeply unfortunate. I’m also aware that some library staff may not feel safe coming to work, which highlights a broader public safety challenge in our city. I am committed to addressing this issue. By tackling these staffing concerns and ensuring that our libraries and community centers stay open, we can help promote safety across our neighborhoods. Keeping our kids safe means keeping our families and communities safe. We need a meaningful investment from the City’s general fund to ensure we have the resources to hire, train, and retain talented staff so every branch can remain open. In the short term, I hope we cant allow for more volunteers to fill the gaps. We must also explore additional funding sources to make library jobs more attractive and address workforce challenges. I ask for your patience and trust, and I will work hard to ensure our libraries are fully funded and open for all.

What additional resources should libraries receive to provide safe environments and services for all patrons, including people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity?

Mercedes Rinck: To enhance their ability to support people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, we should ensure libraries have the staff and tools necessary to meet these evolving needs. I’ve been excited by the new roles brought on in SPL’s Central Library focused on connecting people to social services– I would like to learn from library staff how expanding these kinds of staff positions in other library branches may be helpful. I am also interested in ensuring we are providing training to all library staff on de-escalation techniques, connecting people to social service providers, or how to call for a DCR, as needed. This will prepare staff to interact safely and compassionately with all patrons, including those facing behavioral health challenges. Libraries can also strengthen partnerships with local nonprofits and service providers to offer on-site services like social work support, healthcare referrals, and employment assistance. In addition to this, making infrastructure improvements – such as expanding space, upgrading facilities for safety and accessibility, and creating more private areas – can ensure libraries remain welcoming and secure for all patrons. Building a stronger network of support within these improved spaces will help patrons receive the help they need in a respectful, accessible environment.

Woo: I love that many libraries provide mutual aid supplies like socks. I also discovered that several libraries share a community resource specialist who helps answer questions about social services, including where people can find shelter or legal assistance. Libraries have become a vital lifeline for those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, offering critical access to computers, the internet, restrooms, and social services referrals. I’d love to see this kind of support scaled up. Our librarians already do so much with limited resources, and I’m interested in exploring how we can provide librarians with the training and funding they need to further support their communities. Training in skills like CPR, Narcan administration, and de-escalation techniques for individuals in crisis could be incredibly helpful. I hope that library patrons are getting the support they need to stay healthy and safe. While many librarians are doing incredible work, they shouldn’t be expected to take on social service roles without the proper training. Libraries should receive funding for trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, and mental health first aid, equipping staff to handle complex situations with empathy and compassion. In addition to staff training, infrastructure improvements are essential to ensure libraries remain safe for all patrons. Strengthening partnerships between libraries and local organizations that provide housing or healthcare services would also help. Libraries offer so much more than books. For many elders in non-English speaking communities, they are the only place to find reading materials and essential information. We must protect and enhance these vital resources for everyone.

Washington State House of Representatives – 43rd District (Capitol Hill, Downtown, U District, Wallingford)

Shaun Scott (left) and Andrea Suarez (right) are running for an open seat representing the 43rd Legislative District in the State House of Representatives. This seat is currently held by Rep. Frank Chopp, who is retiring. It is the only open seat election this year in the legislative districts within Seattle’s borders.

How do you use the library?

Scott: I’m a local historian who absolutely loves using The Seattle Public Library’s extensive digital archives of newspapers and out-of-print publications for articles I write from time to time about historical developments related to housing, transit, schools, and sports. Our libraries are an indispensable resource; without them I would be at a complete loss as a student of civic affairs.

Suarez: Downtown Seattle, and I am not a regular. I do send homeless people there to charge phones, stay warm, and access resources made available there.

In order to keep libraries open, accessible, seismically safe, and climate resilient, significant investments are required. If elected, how would you address the library’s infrastructure needs given the projected State budget shortfall?

Scott: We must identify the progressive revenue we need to fully fund our libraries. I’m a champion of tax fairness and believe we must do everything we can to balance our tax code to fund the services we all use.

Suarez: I will work collectively on both sides of the aisle to determine the best way to formulate funding. Like public schools, the libraries need to be seen more as community service centers with multiple purposes. Funding would better flow if we opened up what a library is in each of our communities.

How would you help the library find solutions to address the high cost of e-books?

Scott: I’d like to hear from archivist professionals about how we can address this issue, as it is one I was not familiar with until reading this question.

Suarez: As mentioned, we need to start thinking out of the box and bring revenue to libraries through private gifts and also bring services for sale inside like coffee shops, food and perhaps even a wine bar. Let’s get creative! Meet ups are a thing! Singles night!

What support should elected officials provide the library in the wake of the recent cyberattack and to prevent future attacks?

Scott: I would like to do more research about this issue, and learn more from SPL about what we can do to provide cyber protection to our libraries and archives.

Suarez: You need strong leaders willing to work with both sides of the aisle and think outside the box working with federal relief fund opportunities and private sector.

What message will you share with constituents frustrated by the recent changes to library hours?

Scott: I would tell constituents that there is a straight line from our regressive tax policies – with austerity measures supported by too many elected officials – and service reduction in our public libraries. We need to see more elected officials who are committed to taxing the ultra wealthy to fund libraries, good schools, and social safety net programs.

Suarez: The message would be one of concern and listening ears but reality also needs modern day pivots to make things work from a budget and practical standpoint.

What additional resources should libraries receive to provide safe environments and services for all patrons, including people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity?

Scott: I’d like to see the CARE Team of security response funded to handle people experiencing behavioral and mental health issues in public institutions like libraries. I’m open to other suggestions as well.

Suarez: Libraries should absolutely be a hub for multiple services for our diverse community and help people in need. If the libraries offered safe places to go for those less fortunate then the money would flow in.