Speak up for your Library! Join our advocacy efforts by signing up for the Public Library Action Network here. You’ll receive updates on policy decisions and funding opportunities that impact The Seattle Public Library at the local, state, and federal levels, and learn about how you can take action to help keep the Library strong.
The Seattle Public Library is a treasured community resource because it receives strong support from public funding and private philanthropy secured through The Seattle Public Library Foundation.
Though the Foundation has raised more than $245 million in private gifts for the Library in its 40 years of existence, our advocacy work has helped secure $572 million in public dollars during the past 20 years alone.
The Foundation accomplishes this through:
- Levy support: In 2019, the Foundation’s Board of Directors endorsed a $219 million levy renewal that supports collections, technology upgrades, late fine elimination, and seismic upgrades for three Carnegie-era branches. This measure passed with 76 percent voter approval.
- Capital campaigns: The Foundation advocated for the 1998 Libraries for All campaign, a $196.4 million bond measure that led to the construction of the current Central Library, as well as 26 new or updated branches across the city.
- Advocacy for annual City-allocated funds: The Foundation strives each year to secure city funding that will ensure the Library meets the needs of our neighbors. We, along with our supporters, educate city officials on the Library’s benefits to the city and its role as a public service to all its residents.
Your support helps us leverage our resources to maximize the public-private partnership that makes The Seattle Public Library work.
Please contact the Foundation’s Senior Director of Communications and Advocacy, Will Livesley-O’Neill, at will (at) supportspl (dot) org with questions or for more information.