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Library Budget and Funding

Library Budget and Funding

The library’s budget is overseen by the Tacoma Public Library’s Board of Trustees. Currently, more than 95% of TPL’s budget comes from the City of Tacoma’s General Fund. Every two years, the City Council approves a budget appropriation for TPL operations and services. The library also receives modest supplemental funding (less than 5%) from federal and state grants, funds generated by the Tacoma Public Library Foundation, and private donations. 

For information about the City of Tacoma’s budget, visit the Office of Management and Budget’s website. To learn about TPL’s mission, strategic priorities, and services, review the library system’s annual reports. 

FAQs about Tacoma Public Library

  • Tacoma Public Library is not a department of the City of Tacoma. TPL is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the City of Tacoma Mayor and confirmed by vote of the City Council. Tacoma Public Library receives most of its funding from the City of Tacoma’s general fund and pays assessments to City of Tacoma for shared services such as IT and HR. 

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