Sections
Embedded Files
-------- Emmy McGill / CR News
June 13, 2025
(CR News) - Local public libraries are facing the possibility of massive cuts to both staffing and funding in the near future. The possible budget crisis is driven by increasing operations costs and decreasing levy income. The future of these programs and many other services hinges on the outcome of a proposed Library Levy Lid Lift on the ballot this August, which would fully fund these libraries for years to come, if passed. The pro-levy initiative is being spearheaded by OwlPAC—a political action committee set up to support the libraries.
According to FVRL, the possible cuts include: a 30% reduction in staffing and open hours, cutting some existing programs like storytimes and learning events, and the discontinuation of planned projects such as a new library located in Washougal. They also estimate the possible closure of the Vancouver Mall Library by 2028. One FVRL employee tells CR News the potential fallout from levy failure as “simply devastating._____________________________________
(CR News) - Local public libraries are facing the possibility of massive cuts to both staffing and funding in the near future. The possible budget crisis is driven by increasing operations costs and decreasing levy income. The future of these programs and many other services hinges on the outcome of a proposed Library Levy Lid Lift on the ballot this August, which would fully fund these libraries for years to come, if passed. The pro-levy initiative is being spearheaded by OwlPAC—a political action committee set up to support the libraries.
Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRL) services residents in Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, and Skamania counties—including the entirety of the Greater Vancouver area. These libraries offer widespread access to both physical and digital content, along with programs for youth like book groups, and creative competitions. A local student describes it as “one of the few places that feels calm and mine.”
By state law, a library’s income must be initially established by a levy, a type of property tax. FVRL’s operations are almost entirely funded by these levies, which requires voter approval to increase by more than 1% a year. The Library Levy Lid Lift would increase the property taxes for the average homeowner by around $17-23 a month.
FVRL has warned that cuts to services provided by their libraries will be necessary if they don’t receive the increased levy. Currently, FVRL operates fifteen community libraries, two bookmobiles, a book-by-mail service, and a collection of digital content–along with community events.
According to FVRL, the possible cuts include: a 30% reduction in staffing and open hours, cutting some existing programs like storytimes and learning events, and the discontinuation of planned projects such as a new library located in Washougal. They also estimate the possible closure of the Vancouver Mall Library by 2028. One FVRL employee tells CR News the potential fallout from levy failure as “simply devastating._____________________________________
CR News is a division of Columbia River Television Media. All Rights Reserved.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse