Sonoma County Library

Sonoma County Library is in a strong financial position for now, but funding is due to expire.

The independent Sonoma County Library Commission is considering placing a sales tax renewal measure on the November 2024 ballot. If adopted, the measure would continue the Library’s current funding stream, which originally passed as Measure Y in 2016.

Nearly 40% of all Library funding comes from a voter-passed measure, now set to expire in the next two years. A renewal measure this November would keep this funding in place, with every dollar going towards our local libraries and no new taxes.

Continuing funding with a renewal will:

1. Support youth reading, homework and literacy programs
2. Keep qualified librarians and staff
3. Maintain books, materials, library facilities and digital collections

Our Library is a cornerstone institution for our quality of life in Sonoma County. Our youth, seniors, community groups and schools all rely on our Library to provide books, educational programs and a safe place to gather.

Voter-passed funding supports 40% of library services, including our highly qualified librarians, youth and senior programs, and more than a million items combined in our collections.

“Every dollar invested in the Sonoma County Library returns $3.82 to the community.”
Dr. Robert Eyer, Economic Forensics & Analysis Economic Impact of the Sonoma County Library

Library Materials for Every Interest

• More than a million books and digital resources
• Streaming movies, TV, and music
• Learning platforms and educational tools
• State & Regional Parks Passes

Welcoming Spaces to Gather

• Library service 7 days a week
• Safe spaces to connect to technology
• Rich and diverse programming

Youth Learning and Development

• Storytimes and reading initiatives
• Teen volunteering and internships
• Student and educator support

Innovating for Our 21st Century Needs

• WiFi hotspots and computers
• 24/7 Booklockers for holds
• BiblioBus stops at sites around the county

Serving All of Sonoma County

Nearly one in two Sonoma County residents has a library card. They join because we serve everyone in Sonoma County...children, families, seniors, the disabled, low-income residents, and your local small businesses. We provide a safe place for our community to learn, grow and come together.

Now under consideration is a renewal of the 2016 tax measure which made all of these service improvements possible. The revenue from the 1/8th cent sales tax provides for 40% of our annual funding, and it’s going to expire in a couple of years.

We have to plan now if we’re going to have that funding. Continuing funding means continuing to provide this level of library services. Not renewing could mean cuts to library hours of up to two days a week, cuts to collections, and other cuts coming from a loss of 40% of our budget. A renewal would keep taxes where they are with no increase.

• 15 libraries, most open 7 days a week
• 2.7 million physical check-outs
• 1.3 million digital check-outs
• 1.2 million in-person visits
• 119,000 attendees to our programs
• 1,000+ lendable WiFi hotspots to increase internet access

• 500+ state and county park passes to lend
• Bilingual website, outreach and collections
• BiblioBus with 38 stops in March alone
• 47 percent of Sonoma County residents are Library card holders
• A safe place for children, teens and community groups serving all ages