Renew Washoe Libraries
Statement from Washoe County Library regarding the library expansion fund.
In 1994, Washoe County Library Director Martha Gould had the vision to enhance the Washoe County Library System. Watching Las Vegas Clark County Library District pass a major bond to expand and renovate their public libraries, she believed Washoe County could do the same. She developed a tax override plan that would enhance Washoe County libraries for the next 30 years.
This tax override initiative assigned two cents from every $100 in assessed property value in the county to Washoe County Library System. With these two cents, the library would plant the seeds of growth over the next 30 years:
- Building the Northwest Reno, South Valleys, Incline Village, and Spanish Springs Libraries.
- Helping Washoe County Library System weather the economic recession of 2008–2016.
- Renovating the North Valleys, Downtown Reno, Northwest Reno, Sparks, and Sierra View libraries.
Thirty years later, this tax override expired in 2025. If Washoe County had not passed the initiative in 1994, there would not be many of our beautiful libraries providing needed critical services such as early literacy, workforce development, and assistance for seniors, as well as our books and our friendly librarians.
In 2024, voters in Washoe County were presented with WC-1, a ballot measure that would have extended this funding source for the library system, but the measure did not pass.
Washoe County Library System is disappointed with the results of WC-1. More than simply expanding the library system, this funding was also essential for maintaining operations. The expansion fund budget financed 23 library staffers, $1.4 million in books (the entirety of our book budget), and $200,000 of our technology budget. And it supported weekend and evening hours at our branches.
Following the failure of the renewal measure, some money remained in the fund. Originally intended to help finance a new library in the North Valleys, the remaining funds will be used for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, allowing for an essentially "flat" library budget.
Next steps for Washoe County libraries
While the library’s funding is secure for the next year, the future remains uncertain. The loss of these funds may still lead to serious reductions of public services going forward. Washoe County Library administration is currently compiling proposals for service reductions to present to the Library Board of Trustees. More information will be released as we calculate this tough budget. The continuation of this once-dedicated funding stream was included as part of the Washoe County Library 2022–2025 Strategic Plan as well as the Washoe County Strategic Plan's Fiscal Sustainability Objective.
We appreciate those who worked to pass WC-1, including groups like Freedom to Read Nevada along with regular citizens who fundraised, knocked on doors, and showed up at board meetings to support our library and our librarians. Our hardworking staff provide excellent service every day for the people of Washoe County. Our staff is dedicated to helping children learn to read, assisting seniors with technology, and providing outreach to residents who are disconnected from essential services.
Our dedicated staff will continue to work for the community and provide these services in whatever capacity we are able, with whatever budget we have.
You can contact the Library Board of Trustees, Washoe County Commissioners, and the County Manager to let them know that funding library services is important to you. You can also share your thoughts during public comment at meetings of the Board of County Commissioners and the Library Board.
