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 Aloha, Banks, Beaverton, Bethany and Cedar Mill, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Garden Home and West Slope, Hillsboro, North Plains, Sherwood, 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.
About 45% of WCCLS funding currently comes from a local option levy that will expire in June 2026.
In November 2025, voters will have the opportunity to consider a proposed measure that would fund public library services in Washington County. If passed, Measure 34-345 would authorize the collection of property tax revenue from July 2026 through June 2031.
Current WCCLS budget (in millions)
If passed, Measure 34-345 would fund:
- 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.
- 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
Last year, WCCLS courier trucks delivered 2.5 million books and other items to libraries.
- 16 full-service public libraries in the county
- Most libraries are open at least 6 days a week
- 1.5 million items in shared collection
- Study rooms and meeting rooms
Last year, there were over 2.4 million visits to WCCLS libraries. Total checkouts exceeded 7.2 million, saving users $140 million by borrowing items instead of purchasing them.
- Regular events and programs, including storytimes in languages such as Spanish and Chinese
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
- If passed, Measure 34-345 would authorize an increase in property taxes.
- The proposed measure would cost property owners $0.37 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The tax would continue from July 2026 through June 2031.
- The owner of a home assessed at $348,600 would pay approximately $129 per year, or $10.75 per month.
- The proposed measure would raise $188,915,688 between July 2026 and June 2031.
If Measure 34-345 does not pass, library services would not be provided as proposed and property taxes would not be increased.
