Opinion: King County Library System seeks input on 2017 budget

The King County Library System has a long history of strong support from its community. As an independent taxing district, KCLS provides citizens who live within the district a direct voice in library funding. That voice has sent a consistent message that libraries are valuable and dynamic community institutions, and continuing support over the years has demonstrated that residents want it to stay that way.

Public libraries were founded as public-private partnerships, beginning with Andrew Carnegie and continuing today. Locally, the KCLS Foundation accepts tax-deductible contributions, raising funds that enable your libraries to deliver innovative and creative services, and expand the library’s reach throughout the community. Your donations support programs like IdeaX, that delivers STEM learning to youth throughout the county, and the annual summer reading program, which keeps thousands of kids and teens reading and learning all summer long.

Friends of the Library, Library Guilds and Library Associations, comprised of grassroots volunteers, also raise funds for library programs for all ages, including the Everyone’s Talking About It adult programming series, magic shows, and hands-on activities. The support and advocacy of these groups keep our communities engaged, and our libraries busy.

When it comes to public resources, KCLS receives a small amount of funding through state and federal government programs. The State of Washington allocates a portion of its timber tax revenue to libraries. KCLS also benefits from free or reduced-cost access to several online resources through the Washington State Library, as well as access to grant funding for special projects. The federal government offers a rebate program for technology in public and school libraries, known as e-rate, to ensure that patrons and students have access to high-speed internet in today’s world.

All of this funding is critical to support the work of your library. However, nearly 97 percent of KCLS’ operating budget is funded by property tax revenue. The budget keeps buildings open, provides access to books on library shelves and online, and pays for the amazing staff who serve you every day.

With your support, KCLS operates 48 community libraries and the King County Youth Services Center Library. Last year, we welcomed nearly 10 million visitors, circulated over 20 million items, and loaned over three million e-books, ranking first in the nation in this last category for a second year in a row.

KCLS anticipates another busy year for the library system. In 2017, the budget will focus on six strategic areas: Early childhood literacy; serving youth; welcoming diversity; community engagement; emerging technology; and operational improvements.

We are excited to expand our STEM learning opportunities to all ages, and continue to develop new programs and services for the growing number of seniors in our area. And of course we will continue to maintain the high level of service and accessibility that you’ve come to expect from KCLS.

As a steward of taxpayer dollars, KCLS takes our fiduciary responsibility very seriously. You have invested in the library and we give careful thought to ensure that your tax dollars are wisely spent. As we plan our budget for the coming year, KCLS will host three public hearings to review the proposed 2017 budget, and we welcome and encourage your input in that process: Tuesday, Nov. 1, Kirkland Library; Wednesday, Nov. 2, Skyway Library; and Thursday, Nov. 3, Covington Library. All begin at 7 p.m. and everyone is welcome. If you are unable to attend, you can view details of the proposed budget online at http://www.kcls.org/budget.

All of us at KCLS thank you for your support, and for your input.