About

Learn more about
the Aug. 5 Election

Learn more about
the Levy Lid Lift

“Strong communities need
and deserve strong libraries.” 
Paul Hanson, Sudden Valley

ABOUT THE LEVY LID LIFT 

This levy lid lift will ensure that Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) can continue to provide the current level of services to all 10 libraries across Whatcom County, and the bookmobile, as well as online services at www.wcls.org . 

If Proposition 2 passes, a household owning a home valued at the Whatcom County median price of $600,000 would pay $21 per month – less than the cost of ONE hardcover book. Last year, Whatcom County residents checked out 2.1 million items – an average of THREE items per month per cardholder. And that savings doesn’t take into account the value of ALL the services WCLS has to offer – from children’s storytimes and summer reading programs to book clubs and social gatherings, informational seminars, internet access, printing and photocopying and more.

TWO SEPARATE LIBRARY SYSTEMS

WCLS is separate from the Bellingham Public Library (BPL), which serves residents who live within the city limits of Bellingham. Thanks to an interlocal agreement between the two library systems, Whatcom County residents may use BPL libraries and borrow BPL materials. However, City of Bellingham residents may not vote on the levy lid lift and do not pay taxes to WCLS. It is important to note that no WCLS funds are being used to renovate BPL’s Central Library.

NOT PART OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Although WCLS serves people across Whatcom County, it is not a part of Whatcom County government. It is a junior taxing district, similar to a fire district or a school district.  However, it covers the whole county– serving ALL five of the school district areas except Bellingham.

A NOTE TO BIRCH BAY RESIDENTS

Although two previous attempts to form a Library Capital Facility Area in Birch Bay to support the construction of a full-sized library narrowly missed the 60% supermajority needed to pass, WCLS is moving forward with a scaled-down project at no additional cost to local residents.

The Birch Bay Vogt Library Express is currently in the permitting process, and as soon as permits have been approved WCLS will proceed with going out to bid for a general contractor.

This levy lid lift is a separate effort, focused on raising operating revenues to sustain the entire library system, including services to Birch Bay. Your yes vote is critical to making sure that WCLS can finally open the library location on Birch Bay Drive that so many of you have dreamed of for years.