Save Springfield Library!

The City of Springfield, Oregon is planning to cut 22% of the public library's budget in 2026. This would mean fewer books, fewer events, fewer librarians, and fewer open hours. Help us save our library by asking city council to set a rate for their proposed payroll tax that fully funds the library!

    until City Council's public hearing on the proposed payroll tax

    Libraries are for everyone!

    Step into the Springfield Library and you’ll find more than just books - you’ll find people of all ages and walks of life. Toddlers & parents gathered for storytime. Students finishing homework in a study room. Job seekers printing their resumes from public computers. Neighbors swapping gardening tips and book recommendations. The library is a resource center, adapting to meet the needs of our community by filling gaps in education, entertainment, technology, and even basic necessities.

    Public libraries are not free, but they are priceless.

    Here are just some of the things the Springfield Library provides:- access to thousands of books, movies & video games for all ages -
    - the only free early literacy program in town -
    - quiet study spaces for students -
    - free weekly tech help for seniors -
    - free internet and computer access -
    - affordable copy and printing services -
    - free access to local newspapers -
    - opportunities for social and professional networking -
    - free meeting space for community groups and activities -
    - family passes to local museums & entertainment centers -
    - resources to services addressing issues like housing and addiction -
    - a sense of belonging -
    and much more!    Despite all this, Springfield Public Library is already the lowest funded library for a town our size in the state of Oregon.

    The library ensures that everyone, no matter their income or background, has the tools they need to learn, connect, and thrive.

    Research shows that downtown libraries attract people to city centers and are major contributors to neighborhood vitality and downtown activation. Library patrons often visit cafes, restaurants, stores, and other cultural venues before or after a visit to the library. With a steep increase in room reservations since the pandemic, libraries have become essential third-place workspaces for remote workers. Reading programs at the library can help improve academic achievement for at-risk students, and library access also appears to boost high school graduation rates.

    “Cutting the library’s budget will have a big effect on services to our community. You don’t cut out the heart to save the body. Use payroll taxes to balance the budget.” -a Springfield resident at the Sept 2025 Town Hall

    Help save our library!

    Make the biggest impact by showing up at City Hall on Monday December 8th at 6 pm to speak at the public hearing for the proposed payroll tax!

    Members of the public will have 2 minutes to share why the library is important to you and your community, and to ask city council to set a rate for the payroll tax so that there are no cuts to the library.Can't make it on 12/8? City Council has a regular session on Monday December 1st and there will be time for public comment at that meeting as well.You can show up to either/both meetings in-person or on Zoom! The Zoom link will be available inside the meeting agenda, posted here on the Thursday before a meeting.Not sure what to say or what to expect at a city council meeting? Here are some pointers!

    Want to do something to help right now?

    Email the mayor and city councilors!Mayor Sean VanGordon
    Ward 1 Councilor - Michelle Webber
    Ward 2 Councilor - Steve Moe
    Ward 3 Councilor - Kori Rodley
    Ward 4 Councilor - Beth Blackwell
    Ward 5 Councilor - Andrew Buck
    Ward 6 Councilor - Alan Stout    See which councilor represents you

    Not sure what to say? Here are some talking points!

    Only have a few minutes right now?

    Share this post on Instagram or Facebook, and tag everyone you know in Springfield!

    Feel free to tweak this caption: The City of Springfield, Oregon is planning to cut $500,000 or 22% from the library's budget in 2026. This would mean fewer books, fewer events, fewer librarians, and fewer open hours. Help us save our library by asking city council to set a rate for their proposed payroll tax that would keep the library funded at current levels. Show up at Springfield City Hall on Monday December 8th at 6 pm to speak at the public hearing for the payroll tax. We must protect our library! Follow @savespringfieldlibrary to learn more

    Save Springfield Library!

    Got 30-60 minutes?

    Write a letter to the editor about why you love the library and want to see it well-funded. Having your letter published in a local newspaper is one of the most effective ways to draw the attention of your elected officials and raise public awareness about an issue. Find talking points & where to submit your letter here.ORIf you don't have one already, run down to the Springfield Public Library and sign up for a library card! It's free for all residents within city limits or for households within the SPS district with a child ages 0-18 at home. Higher rates of active library cardholders may help secure more grant funding in the future.

    Questions or want to get more involved? [email protected]

    Get email updates about the library's funding

    Save Springfield Library

    Frequently Asked Questions

    This section is coming soon! Help us create this page by emailing your questions to [email protected] :)