Principle. Like the fact we can't pay for 520, the Billionaires Tunnel, a Third Stadium, levies, and bonds.

I know which one isn't going to get my nod, and it sure ain't the library.

If Seattle wanted to save money it would just join the superior and better managed KCLS.

A decidedly minority opinion:

There is no need to have libraries open 7 or even 6 days a week, nor is there a need to continually buy many multiple copies of new books (mainly for middle-class book clubs), nor do libraries exist in order to employ however many librarians there are in the community.

Say what you will about the library and its users. This poor underemployed boy has made extensive use of it. Granted, I wouldn't be the one paying the levy (property tax, right?), but even if I owned in the city I would still vote for it, at least out of loyalty and appreciation.

Sarah dear, while I agree that the library should not be a jobs program, it should be open and accessible every day of the week. And I'm sorry if you think the collection is too middle-brow, but even the "left behind" crowd should be able to find something suitable at the library.

And I agree that the general fund should be robust enough to support the library, but that's not the case. And now that we are burdened with elaborate vanity structures, topped off by the ridiculous Central Library, it's not going to get any better.