The Seattle Public Library Foundation

"The way we combat censorship and book banning is to put more out there than they can ban."

This also marks the third anniversary of The Seattle Public Library's Books Unbanned program, entirely supported by Foundation donors. More than 28,000 young people, from every U.S. state and territory, have signed up for a digital card to read what they want from our Library.

Every gift to support Books Unbanned helps add more digital books and more access for young readers facing censorship. Take action today: https://give.supportspl.org/books-unbanned-4

Read more in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/28k-youths-got-a-seattle-library-card-in-campaign-against-book-bans/

Donate to Books Unbanned 4 Help us reach our goal! Your support will make a meaningful difference. Every contribution brings us closer to success. Join us today and be part of something impactful.

It's official - the Seattle City Council has approved a $480 million Library Levy to send to voters!

Yesterday, the Council voted unanimously in favor of an amended Levy that is significantly stronger than initially proposed. This is thanks to the incredible work of library advocates, including our partners at Friends of The Seattle Public Library, who convinced Councilmembers to support $70 million in important additional funding. As a result, the Library is positioned to provide more physical and digital books, more programs for people of all ages, and essential building improvements over the next seven years.

The Foundation appreciates Mayor Katie B. Wilson and Councilmembers for their work to put together a strong Levy. We would like to especially thank the members of the Council's Select Committee on the Library Levy who proposed key amendments to increase funding: Councilmembers Foster, Rinck, Lin, and Strauss. Our thanks as well to Council President Hollingsworth and Councilmembers Juarez and Saka for co-sponsoring funding amendments.

We are excited that Seattle voters now have the chance to consider an inspiring and impactful Library Levy on the August 4th ballot. Sign up for advocacy action alerts to stay informed:

Speak Up for Your Library! Sign up for the Public Library Action Network (PLAN) to get updates on policy decisions and funding opportunities that impact The Seattle Public Library at the local, state, and federal levels. Learn about how you can take action to help keep your Library strong — get with the PLAN!

It's ! This is an important chance for you to support The Seattle Public Library, a place that offers free access to knowledge and learning for everyone.

Today, your generosity goes twice as far - all gifts are MATCHED until midnight, up to $25,000!

Now is the time to give. Your support is crucial to keep our Library strong for the communities who depend on it.

Please don't delay. Make a gift today! https://give.supportspl.org/give/271991/ #!/donation/checkout

"As proposed, the 2026 levy would not provide enough for the system to meet the needs of our growing and diversifying population. We must invest more in our books, programs and buildings."

Foundation Board President Matt Hillman, along with Friends of The Seattle Public Library Board President Jennifer Lo and Library Board of Trustees President Yazmin Mehdi, coauthored this new op-ed in The Seattle Times. Over the next few weeks, the City Council can amend the proposed levy to match what our community needs from its library.

You can help! Sign up for advocacy alerts to learn about opportunities to contact City Councilmembers and speak up for the library at City Hall: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/seattle-library-action-alerts

Read the full op-ed:

Libraries are essential. Seattle's library levy needs to reflect that | Op-Ed We ask the City Council to increase the Library Levy so it covers investments in books, programs and buildings in the Seattle Public Library system.

Thanks to The Seattle Times for spotlighting the amazing students who take part in The Seattle Public Library's Global Reading Challenge - and thank you to Foundation donors for making this program possible for more than three decades!

Seattle students battle it out over books