First Look - November 2019 Library Elections

At least 50 libraries were on the ballot yesterday, Tuesday, November 5th, with levies, bonds, and other referendum to stabilize or increase their funding for collections, services, staffing, and facilities.

The first look at any Election Night is always "unofficial" and subject to change, but we want to share the top-level results as we uncovered them. The majority of libraries of the ballot were located in Colorado and Ohio, making this less of a national and more of a regional snapshot. Of the 35 libraries where county Board of Election results are now available, 30 appear to have passed their ballot measures and 5 failed. Unfortunately, all 5 that failed were for new funding. Renewals accounted for 23 of the 30 that passed. Two of the measures for new funding that passed were city-wide General Obligation bonds. With 5 requests for new, dedicated library funding passing and 5 failing, it was a mixed night for the growth.

A notable win includes the establishment of the new Southwest La Plata County Library District in Colorado, the nation's newest library district. The two public libraries in that part of the county were set to close following the County Commission funding cut-off. An incredibly dedicated group of local stakeholders lead the way to put the measure on the ballot and campaign for passage. EveryLibrary was proud to support them through our pro-bono campaign consulting and a direct donation to the Vote Yes committee.

EveryLibrary provides free campaign consulting to library leaders when their funding is on the ballot. Become a donor today and help us support any library that needs it - because every library matters. 

We were thrilled to see our friends at the Pine River Library District in Bayfield, CO pass their measure last night. After losing on the 2018 Midterms by only 9 votes (after a recount), the library leadership team re-evaluated the scope of the project and the library Yes Committee rededicated themselves to the hard work of building a coalition to get out the vote. It passed handily with 58% of the vote. The Portage Area District Library ran a new mil levy for the first time since 1992 and saw excellent local support with nearly 60% voting yes. Likewise, in Telluride, CO. the San Miguel Public Library District went out for new funding for the first time in 22 years and saw 73% of their voters agree. We want to congratulate the Pueblo City-County Library and the Eagle Valley Library District, two other libraries we supported directly, on passing their measures.

If your library is going to the ballot in the next 3 to 5 years, we would be happy to connect with your team to help review and evaluate your campaign planning. Please reach out to us. Early campaign planning, fundraising, and coalition building make all the difference.

Preliminary and Unofficial Results - November 5, 2019