What is the history of the library’s operating levies and capital bonds?

County residents have approved ballot measures supporting library operating and capital levies only five times since the Library District was established in 1943.

January 4, 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. 

November 8, 1966

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%

September 20, 1988

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%

February 5, 2002

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%

September 14, 2004

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%

February 9, 2010

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%