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Whatcom County Library


WHAT: Community libraries have existed in Whatcom County for over a century.  Early libraries were started by women's clubs in Blaine, Ferndale, and Sumas, and the public library is one of Lynden's oldest institutions.  In the early 1940s, the County Grange successfully promoted the establishment of a rural county library district in Whatcom County to provide library services to people in areas with no easy access to city libraries.  Funding for the Library System is provided from the property tax base of unincorporated areas.  Library service was extended to incorporated areas outside Bellingham as the small cities contracted for service, beginning with Sumas in 1947.  Residents in every small city voted to annex to the library district in the 1980s and

Library Mission & Vision Statement:  In partnership with our communities, WCLS brings the joy of reading and the world of ideas to every resident in an open and enriching environment.  WCLS envisions a future in which the curiosity of each generation flourishes and where our communities can not imagine a world without their libraries.

At their June 16th meeting, the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) Board of Trustees voted to authorize placing a “levy lid lift” on the November 3rd general election ballot.  Faced with a budget shortfall in economically challenging times, Trustees acknowledged what a difficult time it is to request the voters restore the levy to previous levels.  Yet because the library is facing reductions to services and branch hours, Trustees determined to let voters decide what level of library service they want to support. The library’s budget is primarily based on property taxes—over 95%. 

In 1938, the State Legislature set the levy rate for public libraries at fifty cents per $1,000 assessed valuation. That hasn’t changed, but limits have been added.  Most recently, I-747 was passed in 2001 which limits the increase the library system can levy against existing properties to a total of one percent per year.  If property values increase more than one percent per year, the library’s levy rate falls to compensate for the difference.  Thus, the 2009 library levy rate received by WCLS is 33.8 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation.  If the rise in the library’s expenses is more than 1% per year, the law allows the library system to request a raise in the levy from the voters.  This is called a “levy lid lift.” 

The last time WCLS went to the voters for a levy lid lift was 1980.  Since the passage of I-747, many efficiencies, staff reductions, cutbacks in open hours, and other cost saving measures have been put in place, even while library use has increased by 46%.  However, the funding situation has reached the point where further cuts in services and branch hours will be necessary if the levy rate is not restored to its former levels.  WCLS is requesting a ten cent lift - from 33.8 cents to 44 cents of assessed property value.  For the owner of a home assessed at $250,000, that means paying an additional $25 annually.To learn more about the library’s proposed levy lid lift, go to our Budget Information page or call Library Director Joan Airoldi at 384-3150.


WHEN:  Levy will be placed on November 3, 2009 general election ballot.

LSA ACTION:  On May 12, 2009 the LSA hosted an informational event at the Fire Hall.  

STATUS:  What we as a community can do - go check out the Bookmobile!  



LSA CONTACT: Pam Nolan, 756-0233
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:




* If you are interested in becoming more involved with this issue please contact a current board member.  


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