About WCCLS
WCCLS was founded in 1976; today we support 16 public library locations, giving patrons access to 1.5 million items in our shared collection. WCCLS reduces costs by efficiently centralizing operations such as our shared catalog, logistics, digital library collections, IT, and more. The cooperative model ensures that residents in cities big and small, as well as unincorporated areas across the county, have access to the same life-changing library services.
The cooperative is a partnership among Washington County, nine cities and three non-profit organizations that operate local libraries. WCCLS provides the majority of funding for all public libraries in the county, annually distributing approximately $28 million to support their operations. Sixty percent of our revenue comes from the county’s General Fund and 40 percent comes from a 5-year local levy that was renewed in 2020 by 69 percent of voters.
Our Vision
A curious, engaged, and literate community where everyone is welcome and thrives.
