This week a mailing went out to King, Pierce and Snohomish County voters from the King County Library System, outlining Proposition 1. This proposition, which is up for a vote on Feb. 9, 2010, would restore the King County Library System’s property tax levy rate to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2011.

What will happen if Prop 1 passes?

According to the mailer, KCLS would use the restored revenue to preserve the current level of library service, programs and resources at its 44 libraries and to maintain its outreach services to community centers, low-income daycare facilities and to the elderly and homebound.

What will happen if Prop 1 does not pass?

KCLS will face 10-15% in budget cuts which includes funding for books, computers and building maintenance. In addition, if the levy lid is not lifted, KCLS anticipates that library staff and hours of operation may have to be reduced in future years due to the lost revenue.

For more information, call 425-369-3275 or visit KCLS online.

The downtown Kent library on 2nd and Smith is closing for remodeling for approximately 6 months. The library will install an automated handling system (a way to streamline book returns – like what is available at the Covington library), moving the restrooms inside and moving the meeting rooms and work area. Much of the library patron sections (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.) will stay in their current locations.

During the library closure, a temporary location will be open starting today, September 19,  at 406A West Meeker Street, next door to Cheryl’s Unique Boutique. That location is not a full-service library but patrons can return books, pick up “holds,” borrow items from the DVD collection and choose from a small selection of paperbacks. With limited space, there will be a handful of magazines and newspapers to read but no computers. The temporary library will, however, offer a children’s story hour.

Hours for the temporary library, starting today, are as follows:

Monday – Thursday:  10 am – 7 pm
Friday:  10 am – 6 pm
Saturday:  10 am – 5 pm
Sunday:  1 – 5 pm

Library patrons who want to access a full-service library are encouraged to visit the KCLS site for other locations including Covington, Auburn, Fairwood (Renton), Maple Valley and Black Diamond.