We think the voters in Tualatin and all of Washington County should support the upcoming local option levy (Measure 34-345), which will be on the November 4, 2025, ballot.
Here’s the background on the library funding situation. Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) is the primary source of funding for 16 full-service libraries in the county, including Tualatin, and supports open hours and access to books for all these libraries. In addition, WCCLS provides the infrastructure that links the member libraries into one system. About 45% of WCCLS funding currently comes from a local option levy that will expire in June 2026. There hasn’t been an increase in the library levy rate in Washington County since 2015.
The current levy rate, in place since 2015, is 22 cents per $1,000 of assessed property. If passed, Measure 34-345 would cost property owners 37 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. (A reminder that this is the assessed value of property, not the real estate market value.) The owner of a home assessed at $348,600 would pay approximately $129 per year, or $10.75 per month.
Why are libraries asking for a levy increase? The population of Washington County continues to grow, and the costs to provide service also continue to increase. In addition, digital collection usage has skyrocketed (eBooks, audiobooks, streaming video) and these items are much more expensive than print books to purchase.
To get to the heart of the matter for friends and supporters of the Tualatin Library, funding from the current WCCLS levy provides 29% of the operating costs for the Tualatin Library. This funding supports a schedule of 64 open hours, seven days a week; five story times per week; weekly programs for school-age kids; a variety of musical programs for all ages; a Makerspace where patrons can craft and invent items; access to a huge collection of both print and eBooks; Internet access and so much more. Many people aren’t aware that programs at the Tualatin Library and using the Makerspace are all currently free to use. Our library, and the others like it in the WCCLS system, support everyone in their communities with resources at their disposal and a wonderful, calm place to sit for a time and enjoy them.
The simple fact is that if Measure 34-345 does not pass, the Tualatin Library could see a 29% decrease in funding, and services would likely be reduced.
In summary, let’s work together to keep our Tualatin library operating at the same 64-hour service level it has provided to our community for some time. And while supporting the levy with your YES vote, please stop by and pick up a book or bring your child to a story time or program.
With our gratitude,
Royce Hermens
Tualatin Library Foundation
Laura Baker
Friends of the Tualatin Library
For more information on the library levy,
visit www.wccls.org/levy.
