Support the Library Levy Lid Lift—A Vote for Our Shared Future
The following letter to the editor was submitted by Friends of the South Whatcom Library for the May 2025 issue of Sudden Valley Views.
To the Editor:
As Friends of the South Whatcom Library, we believe libraries are the heart of healthy, connected communities. They’re where curiosity is sparked, stories are shared, skills are grown, and all voices are welcomed. And right now, our library system needs our help.
On the August 5, 2025 ballot, the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) board of trustees is asking voters to restore the library levy rate to $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed property value—two cents lower than the last approved rate in 2009. Since that time, our library system has been a model of responsible stewardship. WCLS has stretched those dollars to serve a growing population, now 18% larger, while demand for services—from books and WiFi to early learning programs and the Library of Things—has greatly increased with 56% more library cardholders.
But stretching can only go so far. Today, rising costs and higher use mean the library’s expenses exceed its income. Without this levy lid lift, WCLS libraries face reduced hours, fewer staff, and diminished access to the very resources that keep our community informed, inspired, and connected.
Voting YES on August 5 means protecting what we’ve built together. It means keeping our doors open, our programs thriving, and our collections growing—both on the shelves and online. It means making sure our seniors, students, and neighbors—especially those who can’t afford costly alternatives—have continued access to the free, vital services they rely on.
WCLS isn’t asking for the maximum the law allows—just enough to sustain services and plan wisely for the future. Because libraries aren’t just about books. They’re about belonging. And when we invest in our libraries, we invest in each other.
Let’s continue building a place where knowledge is free, opportunity is shared, and community is stronger than ever. To learn more, visit wcls.org/levy.
Sincerely,
Friends of the South Whatcom Library
Do you believe in keeping our library system strong and want to help get the word out about the WCLS levy lid lift? Head to the Yes! Whatcom Libraries website to see how you can get involved.
