Loving My Library
Vote Yes · November 3 Kanawha County, West Virginia

“The library is where I
learned to dream.”

Loving My Library

Campaign supporters holding Loving My Library signs
Campaign supporters holding Loving My Library signs
Loving My Library campaign signs

2026 Excess Levy FAQs

The Public Libraries of Kanawha County

  • Kanawha County Public Library (KCPL)
  • South Charleston Public Library (SCPL)
  • Nitro Public Library (NPL)

All Kanawha County Libraries are participating in an Excess Levy Election which is sponsored by the Kanawha County Board of Education. The election will take place on November 3, 2026. Absentee ballots and early voting will be available at dates specified by the Kanawha County Clerk’s office. Contact the Clerk’s office at 304-357-0130 for information.

How long will funding from the levy be available to libraries in Kanawha County?

The levy is good for five (5) years beginning in July 2030.

Will there be any other countywide levies on the November 3 ballot?

Yes, the Kanawha County Board of Education will also have a countywide school levy on the ballot.

Will any of the levy money go to the Kanawha County Board of Education?

No, the Board of Education is sponsoring the levy for the public libraries of Kanawha County but will not receive any of the money from the levy. The public libraries do not have the authority to run a levy on their own and need the Board of Education to sponsor the levy for them.

How will the public libraries use the levy money?

Kanawha County Public Library, South Charleston Public Library and Nitro Public Library share a goal of continuing to provide exceptional information and educational service to the nearly 200,000 people who live and work in Kanawha County. Each library is unique and has different needs and priorities for using levy funds.

  • Kanawha County Public Library: Levy funds provide approximately 40% of the KCPL System’s annual operating budget, which covers Downtown Charleston’s Main Library; branches in Clendenin, Cross Lanes, Dunbar, Elk Valley, Glasgow, St. Albans, Sissonville, Riverside High School; and the KCPL Bookmobile. The levy funds will be used to pay for operational costs such as staffing, physical and digital media, heat, light, insurance, and supplies.
  • South Charleston Public Library: Levy funds are provided to the City of South Charleston. The City distributes levy funds to SCPL, which will cover the annual operating budget and allow SCPL to provide partnerships with local schools and daycare centers, early literacy outreach, educational programming for children and adults, public meeting room spaces, free notary services, and access to physical and electronic resources.
  • Nitro Public Library: The levy funds will be distributed to the City of Nitro, which will allocate funds to the NPL for operational expenses, library programming, and public outreach.

What happens if the levy doesn’t pass?

Without levy funds the libraries of Kanawha County would lose 35% - 40% of their revenue, and would be forced to:

  • Close multiple branches
  • Reduce hours at remaining locations
  • Cut spending on all physical and digital items, including books, movies, and music
  • Cut spending on quality online resources for students, teachers, job seekers, and businesses
  • Cut staff positions
  • Reduce number of events and programs for the public

Will the library levy increase taxes?

No, this is not a new tax. There will not be an increase in taxes due to the library levy.