The King County Library System (KCLS) is always working to conserve financial and environmental resources.
The ever-increasing volume of printing, and the associated costs with offering each patron 75 free pages per week, has become unsustainable.
The cost for paper, toner, printers, maintenance and repairs exceeded one million dollars per year, and used 10,000 trees worth of paper.
Our ongoing Green Initiative projects address both fiscal responsibility and resource conservation. We are continually monitoring our paper use, and have taken steps to reduce printing by:
The Seattle Public Library, Kitsap Regional Library and Tacoma Public Library charge for all public printing.
The Puyallup Public Library, Everett Public Library and Sno-Isle Libraries offer some printing at no charge.
Over the past 15 years, under the Capitol Bond Building Program, we have been incorporating green building practices into library renovations and new construction. These sustainable practices and system upgrades use less energy and cost less to maintain and operate. For example, we have installed:
The following chart illustrates how property taxes are allocated for various public services, including library service.
For example, if a homeowner’s total 2020 property tax bill is $10,000, the amount allocated for library service is $350 ($10,000 x 3.50%).
County residents have approved ballot measures supporting library operating and capital levies only five times since the Library District was established in 1943.
King County Rural Library District is established by the King County Board of Commissioners as directed by a majority vote of rural county residents on November 3, 1942.
KCLS’ first capital levy is approved by voters. The $6 million capital bond will fund 24 library projects to be completed by 1977.
YES: 61.1%
NO: 38.9%
Voters approve a $67 million capital levy. At the time, it is the largest library capital bond ever passed.
YES: 63.9%
NO: 36.1%
Voters approve a levy lid lift, restoring the operating levy to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.
YES: 64.04%
NO: 35.96%
Voters approve a $172 million capital levy. Capital Bond funds will be used to construct 16 new libraries, renovate 14 libraries, and expand 11 libraries and two parking lots.
YES: 63.57%
NO: 36.43%
Voters approve a levy lid lift, restoring the operating levy to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.
YES: 52.09%
NO: 47.93%
Public works include all of the following, executed at the cost of the agency (RCW 39.04.010):
For public works projects estimated to be under $50,000:
We only require two verbal quotations to determine the best price.
For public works projects estimated to be $50,000-$350,000:
We require a minimum of three written quotations to determine the best price. We may use our Small Public Works Roster (RCW 39.04.155) to request bids.
For projects estimated to be over $350,000:
We advertise in our local newspapers and post on OpenGov.
We contract for various types of services including:
Public Works
Non-Public Works
Depending on the type of work and estimated cost:
We may issue either a Request for Proposals (RFPs) or Request for Qualifications (RFQs).
For certain types of professional services and legal services:
We may review, evaluate, and select consultants based on Statements of Qualifications (SOQ). This practice is per State and City policy. If you've registered for these kinds of services, you must upload an SOQ on our roster to be considered.
Browse current bids and proposals on OpenGov, our online roster program. Register on OpenGov to receive electronic notifications about new opportunities.
You can also find larger projects in local newspapers. We advertise in:
With your account, you can:
