News > Levy for Multnomah County Library (Measure 26-81) will go to voters in November mail-in election

Levy for Multnomah County Library (Measure 26-81) will go to voters in November mail-in election

Why will a measure to fund the library be on the November ballot?

The five-year serial levy for library services was last approved by voters in 2002. It currently provides over 55 percent of library funding. A renewal serial levy has been placed on the ballot in November to continue support for library operations and maintain current library services.

When will ballots be mailed?

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on October 20 and must be returned to the Elections Office by 8:00 p.m. November 7. Ballots may be returned at all libraries as well as numerous drop sites listed on the county's elections website.

What would passage of the funding measure provide?

Passage of the levy would continue current library services at neighborhood libraries for the next five years (from summer 2007–2012). Specific services include:

• Library services for young and school-aged children - story hours for babies and toddlers, homework help, summer reading, and services for children in child care;
• Multnomah County libraries open at least six days a week for an average of 53–58 hours each;
• Central Library and neighborhood libraries open Sunday afternoons;
• Services to seniors, including computer classes and book delivery for those who are homebound;
• Library services for job seekers, small business owners, and English language learners;
• Buying new books, magazines, and other library materials.

The library levy would also provide funds to operate two planned branches in underserved neighborhoods of North Portland and East County, which would open during the course of the five-year levy.

What would the levy cost?

The estimated cost for Multnomah County property owners is 89 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. A homeowner with a home assessed at $150,000 would pay approximately $11.13 per month or $133.50 per year. This levy would replace (not supplement) the current library levy.

What would be the result of a "No" vote?

Currently, the library receives over 55 percent of its funding from the current voter-approved levy. If the library levy is not renewed, library services will be greatly reduced. New branches will not open, others will be open fewer hours, fewer books will be purchased, and many neighborhood libraries will close.

 

Multnomah County residents USE their library. Last year, they borrowed 19.4 million items, or 28.4 books per person. Multnomah County Library has the highest circulation of any U.S. library.

Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library west of the Mississippi, with a history that dates back to 1864. Today, Central Library and 16 other neighborhood libraries house a collection of over two million books and other library materials.

See fulltext of Resolution 06-129 and Measure 26-81 (pdf)

Information provided by Multnomah County Library 08/06