Whatcom County Library System Asks for Levy Lid Lift
Vote yes on August 5, 2025
The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is requesting voters to consider Proposition 2025-02 on the August 5, 2025, ballot. This measure seeks to restore the property tax levy rate that supports the operations and services of its ten community libraries, bookmobile, and digital resources. The request is driven by rising costs and growing demand for library services. The proposed measure aims to revert the property tax levy rate funding daily operations and maintenance of its libraries to $0.42 per $1,000 assessed value. The current rate has declined since the last levy lid lift sixteen years ago because state law restricts the increase in property tax revenue collected annually to no more than 1%, not enough to keep up with inflation.
WCLS is a rural library district that serves all of Whatcom County outside the city of Bellingham. The Bellingham Public Library is a Bellingham city department but has worked collaboratively with WCLS for decades. Only voters who live outside Bellingham city limits are eligible to vote on this ballot issue.
On May 12, the LWVBWC Board unanimously voted to support this levy lid lift request. Eileen McCracken, along with the Executive Committee of the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County, expressed their endorsement: “The League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County advocates for informed citizen participation in government. We believe the information and materials provided by public libraries are crucial to democracy in Whatcom County.” The League champions programs that enhance educational opportunities across all age groups. Our libraries serve as vital community hubs, offering books, newspapers, computers, research assistance, meeting rooms for community engagement, and much more.
We encourage you to mark your calendars and learn more about this initiative. Find more information and a video here; share this link broadly.
Other videos showcasing library services and the power of sharing:
The campaign promoting the levy is led by Yes! Whatcom Libraries. More information can be found on their website,
www.yeswhatcomlibraries.org.