Forum: The library — The best investment we can make

Published 1:30 am Friday, July 10, 2026

A library card changed my life.

A child’s rite of passage is getting a library card. That library card opened new vistas to me. It introduced me to oceans, forests, the night sky, space, and more. It showed me how kids solve mysteries, how other families live, and how to imagine a world outside of my neighborhood.

Going to the library was such a wonderful outing that it led to a job as a Page in our downtown library. Decades later after a career in libraries, I continue to marvel at the range of resources our libraries provide for each one of us, at every age and stage of our lives.

These are challenging times. Every week, families throughout our community make financial choices on groceries, household repairs, subscriptions, and more. We all want to make every dollar stretch a little further. One answer: The library.

As our community considers Proposition 1 to restore our library’s levy, it is worth asking: “What do we receive in return?” The return on investment is remarkable.

Last year, Sno-Isle Libraries welcomed more than 2.6 million visits, circulated nearly 11 million books and materials, hosted more than 6,000 community programs, and provided 2.8 million Wi-Fi connections. Those are impressive numbers. More so, they represent parents saving on buying books, students using online databases, job seekers submitting applications, entrepreneurs researching new ideas, adults learning new technologies, people accessing medical information and appointments, and neighbors attending programs and making connections in an increasingly disconnected world.

The library is one of those rare places where a modest public investment creates extraordinary public value and opportunity. Toddlers enjoy Storytime sessions while gaining early learning skills, remote workers access Wi-Fi, job seekers research postings, childcare providers attend certification sessions, and families carry home stacks of books. A library card unlocks books, audiobooks, eBooks, internet access, computers, tools to learn a new skill, printing, programs, technology assistance, career resources, programs for all ages, movies, places to gather with friends, and so much more.

Libraries are not immune to rising costs. Proposition 1 restores funding to ensure that our libraries are open and accessible with collections and resources to help all of us with life’s activities.

Support Proposition 1 on the August 4 ballot and make an investment in our children, our community, our future.

Jeanne Thorsen is a retired Librarian and Chr. of Yes for Libraries.