The Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees approved the Library District’s 2026 operating budget on November 24, 2025, marking the completion of several months of review, public input, and planning. The adopted budget reflects Sno-Isle Libraries careful stewardship of public funds and strategically aligns Library District resources to support continued service to our communities. Sno-Isle Libraries 2026 priorities include providing equitable access to information, supporting early literacy and lifelong learning, and maintaining library buildings across Snohomish and Island counties. The 2026 budget meets increased customer demand and rising prices of digital and print materials, and rising costs, including inflation.
The adopted 2026 operating budget is $80.9M, and the adopted 2025 operating budget was $80.6M. As part of responsible financial planning, the Board signaled that 2026 will include exploratory work toward a potential future levy lid lift to give voters the opportunity to decide whether to continue the library services they supported in the 2018 levy lid lift. In 2018, the Library District forecast the levy lid lift would reflect the community’s desired library services for another seven years, a typical time period in Washington before another levy is sought. Sno-Isle Libraries is already nearly eight years past the last levy lid lift.
In 2026, the Library District will begin a strategic planning process to connect with customers about their library priorities.
About Sno-Isle Libraries
sno-isle.org
Sno-Isle Libraries serves over 800,000 residents in Snohomish and Island counties through 23 community libraries, online services, and Library on Wheels. Our Vision: Everyone in our community is connected to their library. Our Mission: We engage and inspire our communities through equitable access to knowledge and resources.