What A Week for Libraries

Voters Say “Yes” to Libraries: Triple Win in Washington, California & Oregon

Public libraries are receiving a clear mandate from voters this November: when presented with the choice, communities are willing to invest in their information infrastructure, programming, and future. On Nov. 4, 2025, ballot measures in Washington, California and Oregon each secured passage, safeguarding library services and building community support. Here’s how the wins played out… and why they matter.

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Upper Skagit Rural Library District (Washington) - Proposition 1 Passed

Located in eastern Skagit County, the Upper Skagit Library asked voters to restore its regular property tax levy rate to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from the district’s current rate of $0.32. The proposal was positioned as essential to maintaining daily operations, collections, programs and outreach. With Proposition 1 passing, the district will be better positioned to sustain services, particularly in a region where growth in card‐holders and usage have outpaced funding.  

Truckee Library (California) - Measure G Passed

In the Truckee area (covering portions of both Nevada County and Placer County), voters approved Measure G, a bond or special tax mechanism aimed at replacing the existing 50‑year‑old library facility with a modern regional library/emergency resource center. This represents more than upkeep because this measure signifies a significant reinvestment in library infrastructure, community resilience (notably for wildfire/power outage scenarios) and enhanced public spaces for children, teens, seniors and tech access. 

Support from our donors allowed EveryLibrary to provide personalized training for both Truckee Library’s and Upper Skagit’s board and staff as well as campaign strategy advice and support throughout the campaign.

Washington County Cooperative Library Services (Oregon) - Measure 34‑345 Passed

Serving 16 libraries across Washington County, Oregon, this levy renewal/adjustment secured passage and protects roughly 45 % of the system’s funding. The measure’s win is critical. Without it, the system warned of reductions in open hours, programs and services. Voter approval sends a message that library services remain a priority for the residents of the county.

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WHAT THESE WINS TELL US

Community investment matters. 

Each campaign made a clear case: library services are essential, costs have grown, and without voter support, sacrifices in services and/or resources would have to be made.

The facility doesn’t just impact the library, but the entire community. 

Particularly in the Truckee case, voters recognized that a library is more than shelves… It's a hub for community resilience, emergency preparedness, learning and gathering.

Clarity and communication pay off. 

From explaining the cost per household (Upper Skagit) to showing how infrastructure investment aligns with local needs (Truckee) and outlining service outcomes (Washington County), transparency built trust.

Libraries are timeless. 

In all three cases, the message was simple: libraries are active community anchors. Voters agreed.

LOOKING AHEAD

With these wins secured, the next phase begins… delivering on the promises. Libraries in each region will need to translate the ballot language into outcomes - which can look like expanded programming, modern facilities, maintained hours, and community impact. Transparency and accountability continues after the election. Equally important will be maintaining momentum, communicating outcomes back to voters, and preparing for future funding and strategic planning discussions.

Every $1 we raise helps us secure over $1,600 for libraries.

FINAL THOUGHT

The triple win this election cycle proves it: when libraries articulate a clear need, engage their communities, and furnish transparent information, voters respond.

If your library is planning a future referendum (or even just beginning to consider one) now is the time to start preparing. EveryLibrary provides the training, tools, and strategic guidance to help libraries navigate the complexities of ballot measures with confidence and compliance.  Reach out to our team at https://www.everylibrary.org/contact to learn how we can support your campaign from planning through Election Day.

Your support makes this work possible. By donating to EveryLibrary, you help ensure that libraries across the country have access to the expertise and advocacy they need to win at the ballot box. When libraries succeed, humanity and our civil societies succeed. Make a contribution today at everylibrary.org/donate.