Friends of The Seattle Public Library

A great city deserves a great library.

Friends of The SPL: Home     Get Involved     Grants     FriendShop     About Us     FAQ     Contact Us     Book Sale     Advocacy      

Candidates respond to questions about Library issues.


In election years, The Friends of The Seattle Public Library and The Seattle Public Library Foundation ask Mayoral and City Council candidates to answer questions of interest to those who use and value The Seattle Public Library. 

This election year, all general election candidates were asked to respond to the same question concerning library hours, collections and the capital budget. 


Click HERE to read the unedited responses received by the Friends' publication deadline. Please note, “No Response” indicates either a late response or no response received.



King County Election Ballots will be mailed October 14th and must be postmarked by November 3rd.  Don’t

forget to vote!




 
2010 Budget News


The City Council is now reviewing Mayor Greg Nickels' proposed 2010 budget, which includes $2.8 million in cuts to the Library budget. Proposed cuts include a reduction in branch operating hours and a one-week closure of the entire Library system. The proposed hours reduction would mean that 21 Library locations would be closed on Fridays and Sundays - all year. Overall, the Library would lose about 23 percent of its open hours compared with 2009.


The proposed budget will impact all of our communities and neighbors who are relying on our libraries for computer access, job search resources, educational support, gathering spaces, and librarian assistance. In 2008, more than 13 million customers visited the Library and so far this year, visits are up another 8 percent.  See our blog for frequent updates and the latest budget news.



 
For more ways to help, check out our informative flier.  Print some out and give them to your friends, or send the link to all the library lovers you know! 

Strengthening Our Grassroots Voice

Last year, The Friends of The Seattle Public Library celebrated the opening of the last neighborhood branch renovation funded by the Libraries For All campaign, and explored ways to become more connected with Seattle neighborhoods. This year we’re continuing to explore how our libraries strengthen lives and local communities. Our neighbors are telling us that:

Libraries aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities for many people in our city

Libraries are busy and popular

Libraries are an important community gathering place; the only free public gathering place in some communities

What else do libraries do for you or your community?  Please take a minute to answer this question. Help us understand how you use the library.  Your input will strengthen our grassroots voice. Take the next step and get involved.  We always need help building our grassroots foundation.