Library Levy on Track for Approval
May 1 Statement from Executive Director
Based on the ballots counted through May 1, and the small number of ballots remaining to be counted, it appears the Library’s levy lid lift measure will be approved and certified on May 8. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire library staff, I want to thank every community member who took the time to learn about this measure, ask questions, and cast a ballot. Voter turnout is currently 42%, which is great for a special election.
NOLS understands that asking for any increase in property taxes is a significant request, particularly at a time when so many households are feeling the pressure of higher prices on nearly everything. The thoughtful conversations we have had at community presentations, in library branches, and around our neighborhoods across the county reflect a community that cares about both its libraries and its people.
When the levy rate is restored in 2027, the Library will be able to maintain open hours, collections, programs, and technology that more than 32,000 cardholders rely on across Clallam County. We will continue to be careful stewards of taxpayer resources to provide the best library services possible, just as we have been over the 16 years since the last levy lid lift.
I want to give a special thank you to the volunteers, the Friends of the Library groups, the North Olympic Library Foundation, and the thousands of patrons who shared why their library matters. The library belongs to this community, and the community made its voice heard. NOLS looks forward to continuing to nurture imagination, connection, and understanding across the Olympic Peninsula.
After the election results are certified, NOLS will provide an additional update about next steps and what to expect following approval of the levy lid lift.
Thank you,
Noah Glaude
Executive Director
Your Library. Your Choice.
On April 28, voters will decide on a library levy lid lift. This funding measure shapes what open hours and services are delivered by your library in the years ahead.
The levy provides nearly 90% of the North Olympic Library System’s annual Operating Budget.
In 2010, voters approved a levy lid lift that set the levy rate at $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. Since then, the levy rate has decreased to $0.28 per $1,000 of assessed value.
If approved, the 2026 levy lid lift would restore the levy rate to $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed value. For a home assessed at $400,000, the total monthly cost would increase by $5.67 per month.
The funding supports all operations, such as the open hours, staff, books, digital resources, public computers, Wi-Fi, and programs used by people of all ages across Clallam County.
Why is funding needed for the Library now?
State law limits the Library’s annual property tax revenue growth to 1% per year, which has not kept up with rising costs. Since voters last approved a levy 16 years ago, the Library has worked within these limits while continuing to meet community needs.
The 2026 levy lid lift provides vital funding to maintain hours, collections, and programs. Without it, essential services—like early literacy resources, collections, and technology access—will be reduced, and delayed essential maintenance could lead to limited access and may not reflect the evolving needs or expectations of community members, starting as early as 2027.
The levy is not for the Sequim Branch Library construction, which has been built with community donations, state grants, and timber revenue.
A YES VOTE MEANS:
- Continuing current level of open hours and staffing.
- Maintaining a robust collection of library materials, minimal wait times, and online/streaming resources
- Addressing essential maintenance needs, enhancing facilities, and improving public access to technology.
- Increasing programs and outreach activities for all ages, including support for early learning and literacy.
A NO VOTE MEANS:
- Reducing open hours, staffing, and services.
- Decreasing the budget for library materials, including physical and digital items, causing longer wait times and less selection.
- Delaying maintenance, minimizing facility upkeep, and using aging or outdated technology.
- Cutting programs and outreach activities for all ages.
Estimated Tax Increase
Enter your property's assessed value to see your estimated tax increase if the levy is restored to $0.45 per $1,000.
Your Community-Funded Library
The North Olympic Library System is a locally funded system of four libraries providing free access to books, technology, programs, and welcoming spaces to all. Serving the more than 30,000 households across Clallam County, the Library supports learning, curiosity, and connection for residents of every age and life stage.
In 2025, there were more than 32,000 active cardholders—accounts used by individuals, families, educators, book clubs, and more. The Library’s shared collection includes more than 300,000 physical items and over 60,000 digital items, including books, eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, music, and learning tools. It’s all free to borrow with a library card.
Nearly 1 million items are borrowed or renewed each year, a reflection of how deeply the Library is woven into daily life across Clallam County. Through mobile services, we bring the Library directly to healthcare facilities, group homes, and individual residences, reaching those who may have physical challenges visiting a branch. Personalized support is available every day, whether it’s help with technology, finding your next great read, applying for a job, learning digital skills, or navigating life’s challenges.
Nearly 90% of the Library’s $7.3 million annual Operating Budget comes from local property taxes, an investment that keeps this essential public service open, equitable, and thriving.
Library Use in 2025:
993,197
Checkouts & Renewals
312,669
Visits to the Library
25,226
Library Event Attendees
46,696
Public Computer Sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
A levy is a tax on property values to fund operations of a taxing district. In this case, the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is the taxing district. A district’s initial base levy amount is set by multiplying a voter-approved levy rate by the assessed value of all the properties in the district. Under state law, all tax levies may only increase by 1% annually plus a small adjustment for new construction. Because the annual base levy amount must by law stay relatively fixed, as assessed property values go up, the levy rate goes down.
Initiative 747, passed in 2001, established a “101% levy limit,” limiting the amount by which any taxing district can increase its regular property tax levy. This means that a library system’s levy may not increase the total levy amount collected from current assessed valuation by more than 1% annually (the “levy lid”). The 1% limit restricts revenue growth every year, especially when costs are increasing by more than 1% per year due to inflation, salary and benefit costs, and other factors.
A single-year levy lid lift is the means to exceed the 101% levy limit. It allows the maximum levy to increase by more than 1% for one year only. It “lifts the levy lid.” The extra funds generated are put into a reserve fund to draw upon in later years as costs begin to exceed subsequent capped 1% increases.
As a junior taxing district, nearly 90% of the North Olympic Library System’s (NOLS) Operating Budget revenues come from property taxes. The 2026 levy rate is 28¢ per $1,000 of Clallam County assessed valuation. Voters approved a 50¢ per $1,000 levy in 2010, but NOLS’ levy rate has been shrinking since 2018 due to a law that limits the Library’s revenue growth to 1% each year.
The annual Operating Budget funds salaries and benefits, library collection materials, technology, communications charges, operating supplies, repairs and maintenance, professional fees and services, utilities, insurance premiums, staff training, and more.
The annual Capital Budget funds improvements and enhancements to NOLS facilities, purchases of capital machinery and equipment, and construction of capital assets. NOLS receives timber revenues from timber harvests in Clallam County on Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) managed lands. Timber revenues are volatile and unpredictable. Capital expenditures are more discretionary than personnel-heavy operating expenses; in times of low timber revenues, capital projects can be postponed or scaled appropriately.
NOLS is not part of Clallam County or City government and does not receive funding from the county or cities.
More information can be found in NOLS’ Fiscal Factors Overview and 2026 Budget at a Glance.
It has been 16 years since NOLS asked voters to lift the library levy rate. Taxing districts frequently go out to voters every four years or so to maintain adequate funding levels. In 2010, NOLS promised not to go out for another levy lid lift until at least 10 years had passed. Thanks to sound, conservative budgeting, NOLS has been able to stretch taxpayer dollars for 16 years. Despite lowering its budget from 2025, NOLS anticipates using nearly $1.5 million in reserves to maintain operations and bridge the 2026 shortfall.
NOLS collected $4,146,378 in property taxes in 2011 and is estimated to collect $4,894,378 in 2026, an 18% increase in that 15-year period. Comparatively, the cost of library materials, staff wages, supplies, insurance and utilities has dramatically increased. For instance, since 2010, the State’s minimum wage has increased 103% and the Library’s liability insurance has increased 320%.
Meanwhile, the use of library services has remained strong. Since NOLS was forced to close for a period during the pandemic in 2020, visits to NOLS library branches has increased every year, with 312,669 patron visits to all branches in 2025.
Due to inflation and demand for services, NOLS expenses are now outpacing revenues, reserves are shrinking, and the Library will need to cut the current level of hours, staffing, collections, programs and services in 2027. Rather than doing that, the Board of Trustees is asking voters to restore the levy rate, which will provide fiscal stability and allow the system to adapt and meet current and future community needs.
Support for Early Learning & Literacy
- Expanding early learning resources: NOLS 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: NOLS would maintain programs that offer safe, enriching spaces for children to explore, learn, and connect outside of school hours.
- 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 NOLS 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: NOLS 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: NOLS would maintain a wide variety of print and digital media for all ages that reflect the interests, cultures, and learning needs of the community.
- Reach beyond branches: To better serve residents with limited access, NOLS will enhance mobile library services and other off-site programs to reach residents where they are.
If the levy proposition is not approved, the North Olympic Library System will face a funding shortfall that will impact its ability to maintain current levels of service. The Library’s current levy, which provides nearly 90% of the annual Operating Budget, was last increased in 2011 and is no longer keeping pace with rising operational costs. Without a voter-approved reset, reductions in service will be necessary beginning in 2027.
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 Clallam County Residents
Without increased funding, the North Olympic Library System will not be able to sustain the breadth and depth of services it currently offers. Beginning in 2027, NOLS would need to reduce its hours, 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, NOLS created a new Strategic Roadmap in 2025. This plan was created with public input, 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 five years.
NOLS is an independent junior taxing district, like a school district or a fire district. Taxes collected to support Clallam County government do NOT support library services.
According to RCW 27.12.050, 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 North Olympic Library Foundation).
Although property values have increased in recent years, under state law, all tax levies may only increase by 1% annually plus a small adjustment for new construction. Because the annual base levy amount must by law stay relatively fixed, as assessed property values go up, the levy rate goes down.
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 NOLS can continue to meet the demands of a growing community.
Your tax liabilities increase when voters approve a NEW levy (say, a school district capital project levy or the fire district EMS levy) or when voters approve the formation of an entirely new taxing district (such as a new park district). So, your “extra” taxes go to the new taxing districts or new levies, with only the 1% annual increase allowed by law going to NOLS.
The chart below demonstrates how the amount of revenue NOLS has received from property taxes during the last 15 years has increased at a much lower rate than the assessed value of county properties.
- Visit the Clallam County Assessor & Treasurer Property Search
- Change the Search Type to Owner Name
- Enter your last name
- Click Search
- Scroll through the results and click View Details on your property
- Scroll down to the Taxing Jurisdiction section and find the LIB levy code row. Scan right for Estimated Tax. This is the amount this property pays for library services for the selected year.
NOLS operates four libraries with extensive access to collections, technology and meeting space, plus provides a bookmobile, delivery services to homebound patrons, a full-service website with access to databases, eBooks and streaming video and music, and programs for all ages. Keeping all these facilities and services available takes approximately 72 staff members (51 full-time and 21 part-time). Wages and benefits account for 72% of the Operating Budget. The second largest expense is the Library’s collections, which is budgeted at approximately half million dollars annually to keep up with patron demand for new and popular titles.
The Washington State Auditor’s last Financial Statements Audit Report includes a finding for “a material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting regarding other postemployment benefit liability reporting and ending cash and investment classification.”
Both errors stemmed from state accounting rule updates that had not been implemented at the time by former staff. NOLS acknowledged and agreed with the findings, confirmed the corrections had been made, and committed to following the State Auditor’s recommendations going forward.
The finance staff also participate in routine trainings offered by the State Auditor’s Office and MRSC (Municipal Research and Services Center) to stay current on accounting requirements and best practices.
Here’s a brief summary of each audit finding:
Missing Retirement Health Benefit Costs (OPEB Liability)
It’s important to note this wasn’t money that went missing – it was a missing disclosure that NOLS corrected immediately.
The Auditor identified that NOLS was not reporting the liability for Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) specifically related to the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) plan for health care. This plan provides OPEB benefits through implicit and explicit rate subsidies for NOLS retirees. Even though retirees pay 100% of their premiums, their payments do not represent the full cost of the benefits. Retirees pay less because participating employers such as NOLS pay higher premiums, subsidizing the retirees’ premiums. This requires a real financial obligation for NOLS that accounting rules require to be disclosed.
Wrongly Labeled Reserved Funds (Cash Classification)
NOLS has a number of reserve funds that are reported on at monthly Board meetings and managed using the Library’s Fiscal Management Policy.
In annual reports to the Washington State Auditor, the auditor identified that ending cash and investment balances classified as either “Restricted” or “Committed” should have been classified as “Unassigned” even if the Board of Trustees had identified a clear use for those funds.
For example, at the end of 2023, there was $1.2 million in a reserve account specifically setup for the Sequim Library Expansion and Renovation Project. NOLS had spent years saving timber revenue to build this reserve, and planned to use the reserve to match grant funding. Despite that intent, the funds could still technically be available for any purpose, so NOLS should have reported them as unassigned instead of committed or restricted.
The restricted label is used when a portion of the balance is subject to externally enforceable legal restrictions. The committed label is used when the balance is constrained by specific limitations that the government agency imposes upon itself at the highest level of decision making.
The library continues to be a heavily used community resource. In 2025, NOLS had:
- 32,089 cardholders
- 312,669 patron visits
- 993,197 checkouts and renewals
- 35,776 hours of public computer usage
- 220,314 public computer prints
- 1,016 events attended by 25,226 people
- 677 community meeting room reservations
Read more about NOLS activity in the 2025 Annual Report and 2026-2030 Strategic Roadmap.
More information about the NOLS budget is available on the Board & Administration webpage.
The North Olympic Library Foundation (NOLF) was established in 2012 to strengthen support for the North Olympic Library System. NOLF’s focus is on building an endowment to finance system-wide programs and projects that are beyond the limits of public funds, and supporting NOLS “Libraries on the Move” initiatives and projects.
NOLS actively seeks state, federal, and corporate funding as available. Grant cycles are competitive and are generally for one-time purchases, not ongoing operating expenses. For example, NOLS received over $2 million in grants from the Washington State Department of Commerce to go towards the construction of the Sequim Branch Library Expansion and Renovation, and many smaller grants worth thousands of dollars have been received from the Washington State Library to support innovative programming.
The need for a new library in Sequim was first identified by a study in 2001 and another study in 2014. The current expansion and renovation project was initiated in 2022 and construction started in 2024.
Construction was funded primarily through timber revenue from state forest trust lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which supports local services like libraries, hospitals and schools. NOLS combined timber revenue with state grants, generous donations and a low-interest state loan to build the new Sequim Library facility.
A design requirement of the new building was that additional staff would not be required to operate it. The expanded building is functionally designed for effective workflow and energy efficiency.
On February 26, the NOLS Board of Trustees approved Resolution 2026-02-05 to place a levy lid lift proposition on the April 28, 2026, special election ballot.
Here is the wording of Proposition 1 as it will appear in the voters’ pamphlet:
North Olympic Library System
Proposition 1
Regular Property Tax Levy Lid Lift for Support of Public Library Services
The Board of Trustees of the North Olympic Library System adopted Resolution 2026-02-05 concerning its regular property tax levy. This proposition authorizes an increase in the District’s regular property tax levy from $0.28 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, to be collected in 2027, to provide continued funding for the District’s public library operations and services. The resulting dollar amount of the 2027 levy would be used for the purpose of computing subsequent levy limitations as provided by chapter RCW 84.55.
Should this proposition be approved?
___ Yes
___ No
No. To pass, the proposition requires a simple majority of people who cast a ballot in the April 28 special election to vote yes.
The library levy lid lift proposition will be on the April 28, 2026 special election ballot. View ballot and voting materials, register to vote or update your registration, and track the status of your ballot at votewa.gov.
Questions, Comments or Feedback?
Please email levy@nols.org or call 360-417-8500 ext. 7717 for further details or to request a community presentation.