2025 Library Levy Proposition 1
Your Questions, Answered
Kitsap Regional Library has placed a levy request on the August 5 ballot. This FAQ is intended to answer commonly asked questions about Library operations, services, and past commitments. To learn more about the levy request itself, please visit KRL.org/levy.
Library Needs for Funding
Kitsap Regional Library relies on property taxes for 96% of its budget. However, Washington State’s 1% cap on annual revenue increases makes it difficult to keep up with inflation, rising operational costs, and growing community demand.
In 2017, voters approved a levy, setting the rate at $0.43 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Due to statutory limits, that rate has since decreased to approximately $0.27. This decline is restricting the Library’s ability to sustain services at current levels.
Without increased funding, the Library anticipates reductions in access to books, programs, and resources, which could lead to longer wait times and fewer educational opportunities. Technology updates will be delayed, limiting access to modern tools and digital resources. Necessary maintenance and improvements to library buildings will be postponed, impacting the accessibility of these community spaces.
To maintain current operations and provide stable funding for the next five to ten years, the Library is proposing a reset of its levy to $0.39 per $1,000 of assessed value. This increase will allow the Library to:
- Early literacy resources continue, offering young children and caregivers tools to build a solid foundation for success in school.
- Continued after-school and summer learning opportunities to support K-12 students.
- Up-to-date technology access, keeping the community connected and informed.
- Library spaces that continue to meet accessibility and safety standards for all residents.
This levy does not fund the construction of a library in Port Orchard, which is being built with privately fundraised dollars. It ensures Kitsap Regional Library can continue providing essential services to all Kitsap County residents.
Review the Library's budget., opens a new window
If voters approve the Library’s funding proposition, Kitsap Regional Library will be able to maintain and strengthen the services and priorities identified by the community. The approved levy would allow the Library to continue offering free, equitable access to information, resources, and educational opportunities across Kitsap County. This includes:
Support for Early Learning & Literacy
- Expanding early learning resources: The Library would continue investing in books, educational tools, and outreach efforts that support parents and caregivers in preparing young children for school success.
- Supporting kindergarten readiness: Programs and materials focused on building foundational literacy and learning skills would be expanded, helping babies, toddlers, and preschoolers thrive.
Supporting Educational Opportunities for Kids & Teens
- Sustaining after-school and summer learning programs: The Library would maintain programs that offer safe, enriching spaces for children to explore, learn, and connect outside of school hours.
- Continued workforce development for teens: Career readiness opportunities—including internships, volunteering, and hands-on experiences—would be expanded to help prepare local teens for future jobs and success.
Improved Access to Technology
- Keeping technology current: Funding would support ongoing maintenance and updates to public computers, Wi-Fi, and other digital tools—ensuring reliable public access to current technology at all Library locations.
- Promoting digital literacy: The Library would continue offering training and support to help residents build confidence using technology for learning, work, and daily life.
Enhanced Library Spaces
- Maintaining and improving library buildings: The Library would continue regular upkeep and updates to library facilities—ensuring welcoming, well-maintained spaces that support a wide range of community uses.
- Improve accessibility: Investments would support accessible design updates across all branches, such as assistive technology and adjustments to make spaces more flexible and usable for quiet study, group collaboration, and events.
Support Library Collections
- Sustaining a broad collection of books, ebooks, and other materials: The Library would maintain a wide variety of books, ebooks, audiobooks, and digital media that reflect the interests, cultures, and learning needs of the community.
- Reach beyond branches: To better serve residents with limited access, the Library will enhance mobile library services and other off-site programs to reach residents where they are.
If the levy proposition is not approved, Kitsap Regional Library will face a funding shortfall that will impact its ability to maintain current levels of service. The Library’s current levy, which provides 96% of its funding, was last increased in 2017 and is no longer keeping pace with rising operational costs. Without a voter-approved reset, reductions in service will be necessary beginning in 2026.
Fewer Books, Digital Resources & Learning Materials
- The Library will have fewer resources to purchase new books, audiobooks, and digital materials—resulting in longer wait times and limited availability.
- Access to online learning tools and databases may be reduced, affecting students, job seekers, and lifelong learners.
Technology Access Limitations
- Delays in updating public computers, software, and technology tools will limit access for those who rely on the Library for schoolwork, job applications, and essential digital services.
- Aging systems may make it more difficult to support digital literacy training and technology-related programs.
Delayed Maintenance & Facility Upkeep
- Repairs and upgrades may be postponed, leading to outdated spaces. If delays impact the safety of a building, the community may experience library closures.
- Accessibility upgrades could be delayed, making it harder for all community members to fully use library resources.
Reductions to Programs
Standard programs may be reduced, and services tailored to specific needs—such as early literacy outreach, teen career readiness, support for older adults, and job search assistance—may also be impacted.
What This Means for Kitsap Residents
Without increased funding, Kitsap Regional Library will not be able to sustain the breadth and depth of services it currently offers. Beginning in 2026, the Library would need to reduce its collections and services and delay updates for spaces and technology, directly affecting thousands of community members who rely on the Library for free resources, education, and connection.
Yes, the Library created a Strategic Direction in 2024, opens a new window. We're currently in the second year of a five-year plan that was launched in early 2024. This plan is based on priorities and goals identified by Kitsap County residents and community organizations, ensuring that the Library’s initiatives are aligned with the evolving needs of the community. It serves as a roadmap for how the Library will best support education, access, and community engagement over the next few years.
The new library in Port Orchard is not being funded by levy dollars. It is supported by grants and private donations, opens a new window raised by the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation. No operating levy funds are being used for its construction.
The new building will replace the current aging facility, originally built as a post office, which no longer meets the needs of the community. It will be part of the Port Orchard Community Event Center, a project led by the City of Port Orchard.
The upstairs meeting room at the Silverdale branch is managed by our building partners, the Central Kitsap School District, who reserve it for district use. While the Library shares the building, this space is not under Library management. Levy funding will not change current access to this particular room. However, the Library continues to explore ways to meet community interest in gathering and meeting spaces across the county.
Learn more about the impact of your Library and see your tax dollars at work in our annual reports.
Levy Basics
In Washington State, a levy is the primary way local governments—like libraries, schools, and fire districts—collect property tax revenue to fund ongoing services. Kitsap Regional Library relies on a regular property tax levy, which provides 96% of its operating budget.
State law limits annual revenue increases from an existing levy to 1%, even as costs rise due to inflation, population growth, and increased demand for services. Over time, this restriction makes it difficult to sustain library services and operations.
To address this, voters can approve a levy lid lift—a ballot measure that resets the levy rate to a higher level. Once approved, the new rate becomes the base for future budgets and is again subject to the 1% growth limit.
This type of levy helps the Library continue delivering public services—such as early literacy resources, programs for all ages, technology access, and well-maintained library buildings—across Kitsap County.
Without periodic, regular levy increases, the Library may face budget shortfalls, impacting its ability to provide Library services.
Learn more about levies, opens a new window from the Kitsap County Assessor's Office, opens a new window.
In Kitsap County, a portion of your property tax bill supports the Kitsap Regional Library. While the exact percentage can vary based on your location within the county and the specific tax rates applicable to your property, the library district is one of the taxing districts funded through property taxes.
The Kitsap County Treasurer's Office provides detailed information on how property taxes are distributed among various taxing districts, including the library district. You can access this information through their official website, opens a new window. You can see here that about 3% of property taxes fund public libraries. You can search tax parcels, opens a new window to see distributions by property.
Although property values have increased in recent years, Washington state law limits the Library’s funding growth to 1% per year, regardless of how much home values rise. This means that even if property values increase by 5%, 10%, or more, the Library’s funding doesn't keep up at the same rate. Meanwhile, costs for books, technology, staff, and maintenance continue to rise, widening the gap between available funding and community needs. Regular levy renewals, including the proposed lift, are essential to ensuring the Library can continue to meet the demands of a growing population.
In Washington State, public libraries like Kitsap Regional Library are primarily funded through property taxes. This is because state law does not authorize library districts to levy or collect sales tax for library operations.
According to RCW 27.12.050, opens a new window, rural county library districts must be funded through property tax levies, up to a maximum of $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The law does not provide for the use of sales tax revenue.
While some municipal governments can adopt local sales tax measures for specific purposes, library districts are not granted this authority. Instead, libraries rely on property taxes, grants, and private donations (such as those from the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, opens a new window).
The Library empowers informed voting by connecting you with trusted information and local election resources. Discover where and how to vote in Kitsap.
Single Button Module
Voting & ElectionsLibrary Levy History
In 2017, Kitsap County voters approved a levy rate of $0.43 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This funding enabled Kitsap Regional Library to restore and expand services that had previously been reduced due to budget constraints. Since then, the Library has focused on priorities identified through community conversations and surveys, including youth learning, workforce development, and access to library resources.
Kitsap Regional Library used 2017 levy funding to restore and sustain library services, based on commitments shared with voters at the time of the election. These priorities—shaped by community input gathered through conversations and surveys—included supporting youth learning, advancing workforce development, and increasing access to library resources. A key goal was to maintain these investments for 5–7 years while continuing to meet the evolving needs of Kitsap communities.
K-12 Youth Education
The Library expanded early learning tools and classes for parents, babies, and toddlers. It also supported after-school STEM programs for K–12 youth and increased internship opportunities for teens. Through the Student Account Program, the Library partnered with local schools to ensure that every student in participating districts has access to a public library card and library resources.
Collections
To support learning and reduce barriers to access, the Library expanded both physical and digital collections, helping shorten wait times for popular books, eBooks, and audiobooks. In 2018, the Library eliminated overdue fines. Patrons remain responsible for lost or damaged items.
Facilities
In partnership with building owners and fundraising partners, Kitsap Regional Library has made substantial investments in maintaining and improving library facilities across the county. A major milestone was the opening of the new Silverdale branch, built with funds privately raised through the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation and community support.
Other major projects include:
- A new roof, HVAC system, and carpeting at the Sylvan Way branch
- A full refresh of the Poulsbo branch, including updated wiring, paint, carpet, and structural improvements
- An expansion and refresh of the Manchester branch
- HVAC upgrades at the Bainbridge Island and Port Orchard branches
- New meeting spaces, carpet, HVAC systems, and furnishings at the Martin Luther King Jr. branch
- Critical structural repairs at the Port Orchard branch
Across all locations, seating and furnishings have been refreshed, and card key systems have been installed at several branches to enhance safety, with plans for system-wide implementation. Self-checkout stations have also been added for increased convenience. These ongoing improvements ensure that library spaces are welcoming, functional, and equipped to serve the community well into the future.
Hours & Access
To increase accessibility, the Library restored Sunday hours at the Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard, and Sylvan Way branches and expanded and standardized open hours across all locations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Library responded quickly to evolving community needs—offering free printing services, distributing masks and test kits provided by community partners, providing curbside access to collections, and expanding online offerings. While schools were closed, the Library's Summer Learning program helped students and families stay connected, supported, and engaged.
Staff Support
Kitsap Regional Library has prioritized investing in its dedicated staff—recognizing that the Library’s strength comes from the people who serve our community every day. Since 2018, the Library has provided annual cost-of-living increases, and in 2019, salaries were adjusted based on the results of a compensation study conducted by an independent third-party organization to ensure alignment with regional and industry standards. Staff benefits have also been enhanced, including the Library covering the employee portion of Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums. These efforts reflect a deep commitment to supporting staff growth, well-being, sustainability, and a thriving organizational culture.
In 2018, Kitsap Regional Library fulfilled its commitment to expand access by opening its five largest locations on Sundays. This continued until March 2020, when all Library buildings were temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During that time, the Library conducted a systemwide evaluation of branch usage to ensure reopening hours aligned with actual community needs. While community feedback ahead of the 2017 levy showed support for Sunday hours, data collected after reopening indicated lower-than-expected usage.
In response, the Library shifted to offering Sunday service countywide at three strategic locations, while reinvesting resources to expand and standardize hours at all nine branches. This approach has increased access across the system and better reflects how and when the community is using Library services.
The Library will review hours again in 2025 to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of Kitsap County residents.
In 2018, Kitsap Regional Library expanded its Community Internship program to provide paid work and learning opportunities for teens and young adults at multiple locations. The program was paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During that pause, the Library took the opportunity to reimagine the program, deepening its focus on mentorship and skill-building. The current version is based at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. branch in Bremerton, where interns learn alongside staff with expertise in education and workforce readiness.
In 2024, the Library also launched a new volunteer program to broaden opportunities for teen involvement. With future levy funding, the Library plans to expand work experience opportunities for teens throughout the county.
Kitsap Regional Library retired its Bookmobile service in March 2018 due to high maintenance costs, unique staffing requirements, and declining usage. While the Library intended to continue Bookmobile service until a replacement model could be developed, unexpected circumstances prompted a more rapid reassessment of the program’s future.
In its place, the Library expanded and modernized its outreach efforts with a growing fleet of mobile service vans. Continuing in the spirit of accessible service, these smaller, more efficient Sprinter vans allow staff to reach farther and serve more people across Kitsap County, visiting multiple sites in a day and tailoring service to meet the specific needs of each location. This flexible model extends the Library’s presence well beyond its branches, making regular visits to healthcare facilities, group homes, and individuals who are unable to visit in person.
While the Bookmobile symbolized the Library’s commitment to meeting people where they are, today’s mobile services build on that legacy, broadening access, increasing efficiency, and connecting more people to the materials and support they need.
Kitsap Regional Library remains committed to ensuring access and continues to explore new ways to reach community members facing geographic or logistical barriers, as outlined in our 2024-2029 Strategic Direction, opens a new window.
Learn more about home delivery and mobile services, opens a new window.
The new location of the Silverdale branch was built with grants and privately fundraised dollars raised through the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, opens a new window. The previous space was aging and increasingly too small to serve the needs of the central Kitsap community. Through generous donations and the effort of the Silverdale community, a new space was made possible.
Library Finances
Kitsap Regional Library used 2017 levy funding to restore and sustain library services, based on commitments shared with voters at the time of the election. These priorities—shaped by community input gathered through conversations and surveys—included supporting youth learning, advancing workforce development, and increasing access to library resources. A key goal was to maintain these investments for 5–7 years while continuing to meet the evolving needs of Kitsap communities.
K-12 Youth Education
The Library expanded early learning tools and classes for parents, babies, and toddlers. It also supported after-school STEM programs for K–12 youth and increased internship opportunities for teens. Through the Student Account Program, the Library partnered with local schools to ensure that every student in participating districts has access to a public library card and library resources.
Collections
To support learning and reduce barriers to access, the Library expanded both physical and digital collections, helping shorten wait times for popular books, eBooks, and audiobooks. In 2018, the Library eliminated overdue fines. Patrons remain responsible for lost or damaged items.
Facilities
In partnership with building owners and fundraising partners, Kitsap Regional Library has made substantial investments in maintaining and improving library facilities across the county. A major milestone was the opening of the new Silverdale branch, built with funds privately raised through the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation and community support.
Other major projects include:
- A new roof, HVAC system, and carpeting at the Sylvan Way branch
- A full refresh of the Poulsbo branch, including updated wiring, paint, carpet, and structural improvements
- An expansion and refresh of the Manchester branch
- HVAC upgrades at the Bainbridge Island and Port Orchard branches
- New meeting spaces, carpet, HVAC systems, and furnishings at the Martin Luther King Jr. branch
- Critical structural repairs at the Port Orchard branch
Across all locations, seating and furnishings have been refreshed, and card key systems have been installed at several branches to enhance safety, with plans for system-wide implementation. Self-checkout stations have also been added for increased convenience. These ongoing improvements ensure that library spaces are welcoming, functional, and equipped to serve the community well into the future.
Hours & Access
To increase accessibility, the Library restored Sunday hours at the Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard, and Sylvan Way branches and expanded and standardized open hours across all locations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Library responded quickly to evolving community needs—offering free printing services, distributing masks and test kits provided by community partners, providing curbside access to collections, and expanding online offerings. While schools were closed, the Library's Summer Learning program helped students and families stay connected, supported, and engaged.
Staff Support
Kitsap Regional Library has prioritized investing in its dedicated staff—recognizing that the Library’s strength comes from the people who serve our community every day. Since 2018, the Library has provided annual cost-of-living increases, and in 2019, salaries were adjusted based on the results of a compensation study conducted by an independent third-party organization to ensure alignment with regional and industry standards. Staff benefits have also been enhanced, including the Library covering the employee portion of Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums. These efforts reflect a deep commitment to supporting staff growth, well-being, sustainability, and a thriving organizational culture.
Kitsap Regional Library receives over 96% of its funding from property tax revenue, which totaled approximately $18 million in 2024. This funding supports library services for Kitsap’s 107,000 households—including more than 86,000 active library cardholders—by providing free access to:
- Collections: A community collection of over 300,000 books, magazines, movies, kits, and more, along with more than 104,000 downloadable ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines available online.
- Technology: Access to 28 free digital research and learning tools, Wi-Fi, free printing, and over 131 public computers.
- Staffing: Support staff who provide quality services and maintain optimal hours.
- Programs & Services: A wide range of community programs, including Summer Learning, workforce readiness, digital literacy, after-school STEM, and personalized support navigating information and resources.
- Facilities: Ongoing maintenance, upgrades and improvements of nine library locations. Ensuring accessible and welcoming spaces.
Additionally, the Library maintains two reserve funds—an Operating Reserve Fund for unexpected costs and a Capital Reserve Fund for future projects. These reserves help ensure long-term financial stability. This strategic use of funds allows the Library to fulfill its mission of inspiring curiosity and connection, providing vital services to the Kitsap community.
Learn more about the Library's budget and spending history., opens a new window
Yes, beyond property tax revenue, the Library benefits from the support of local partners and volunteers. The Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, opens a new window, seven Friends of the Library organizations, opens a new window, Bainbridge Public Library, Inc., opens a new window, and several local government entities, such as the City of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, and others, provide additional resources to help ensure Library programs, services, and facilities are supported.
Proposition 1 will add approximately $7.7 million to the 2026 operating budget, helping the Library maintain current services and meet growing community needs. These funds will support priorities outlined in the Library’s 2025-2029 Strategic Direction. Here's how the Library anticipates this increase in funds will be allocated across the next six years:
Collections (About 16%): Expand and improve the Library's collection, with a focus on eResources, language services, early literacy, and better access for those unable to visit physical locations.
Educational Opportunities for Kids & Teens (About 4%): Enhance youth programs, including Summer Learning, after-school activities, STEM education, and work experience opportunities for teens.
Programs & Services (About 6%): Support community outreach through mobile services and programs that help meet local technology, STEM, and maker needs.
Technology (About 11%): Invest in maintaining and upgrading technology infrastructure, including improved bandwidth and cloud services for both public and staff access.
Maintain Optimal Hours & Staffing (About 26%): Ensure the Library can maintain current hours and staffing levels, with funding for benefits, salary adjustments, and new positions to meet increased demand.
Facilities & Capital Projects (About 37%): Invest in facility upkeep, ensuring buildings are accessible and replacing outdated furnishings and fixtures to continue to serve the community.
These investments will ensure the Library continues to provide essential services and adapt to the evolving needs of the Kitsap community.