Proposed Measure 34-345 for Countywide Library Services on Nov. 4, 2025 Ballot
Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) is the primary source of funding for public libraries in our county, supporting open hours at libraries in Sherwood, as well as Aloha, Banks, Beaverton, Bethany and Cedar Mill, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Garden Home and West Slope, Hillsboro, North Plains, Tigard, and Tualatin. WCCLS provides systems and support that link 16 full-service libraries into one system, supporting access to books and community events for all county residents. Most libraries are open at least 6 days a week. Sherwood Public Library is open 7 days a week.
If passed, Measure 34-345 would replace a 5-year levy expiring in June 2026 and continue to generate tax revenue from July 2026 through June 2031, funding:
- Reading and learning support for kids and teens
- In-person events
- Homework help & online tutoring
- Public access computers & wi-fi
- Over 10,000 students participated in library programs designed to support reading, learning, and student success last year. WCCLS has issued 83,549 library cards to public school students since 2019.
- Central services that efficiently link libraries together
- Ability to reserve materials for pickup at any of the 16 libraries across the county
- Access to library catalog with 1.5 million items
- Access to online learning tools, e-books, audiobooks, and streaming video
- Reading events for children
- Regular events and programs, including storytimes
- Annual summer reading program
- Interactive play areas to promote learning and social interaction
- Last year, libraries hosted over 200,000 participants at 6,000 in-person events for kids and teens including summer reading.
The proposed measure would cost property owners $0.37 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
If Measure 34-345 does not pass, library services would not be provided as proposed and property taxes would not be increased.
[Information obtainied from wccls.org/levy]
Current WCCLS budget (in millions)
