Stronger Libraries = Stronger Communities
A new chapter for the Hailey and Bellevue Public Libraries
We are proposing a library district to unite the Hailey Public Library and the Bellevue Public Library.
A YES vote creates the proposed Big Wood River Library District — a single, voter-approved funding model that protects and strengthens library services for Hailey, Bellevue, and surrounding residents.
Vote Yes
Tuesday, May 19
We Open Doors
for Community
How many library districts are in Idaho?
How many library districts are in Idaho?
There are currently 69 library districts operating throughout the state. These districts serve a common and proven model for providing consistent library services across both rural and urban areas of Idaho.
For residents living in unincorporated areas, a library district is often the only way to receive tax-supported public library services. Without these districts, nearly 18% of Idahoans might lack local access to a legally established library service area.
Key Benefits
A Yes Vote Means:
Expand library hours and stabilize staffing levels
Provide strong service levels across the district with courier and locker system
Increase the digital collection of ebooks, audiobooks downloads and streaming offerings
Enhance partnerships with local organization to deepen community impact through programming
A No Vote Means:
Reduction in library hours, materials and staff
Acquire fewer new digital resources resulting in longer wait times and a decreasing selection
Access cards will be replaced with non-resident cards with a fee attached
Inability to address space constraints
Programming cuts due to budget instability
Expanded hours of operation and equitable access
Larger and more diverse collections and a shared catalog system
Rural outreach – courier, locker and homebound services
Expanded programming and specialized services for diverse audiences
Expanded digital access and equity
Greater accountability and transparency from elected Board of Trustees
Did you know that last year the Hailey Public Library had…
Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
Tax Impact & Transparency
How would this levy increase affect my property taxes?
The estimated proposed levy is $28 per $100,000 of taxable value. This amount is calculated after applying the Idaho Homeowner’s Exemption, which currently exempts 50% of your home’s value up to a maximum of $125,000.00
Example Calculation:
If your home is valued at $400,000:
1. Subtract Exemption: $400,000 - $125,000 = $275,000 taxable value
2. Calculate Levy: ($275,000 / $100,000) x $28 = $ 77 per year
This investment ensures a dedicated and stable future for our libraries, providing consistent funding that is independent of city budgets.
Legal Levy Limits
While the estimated proposed rate for the district is $28 per $100,000, it is important to note the legal framework for Idaho library districts. Under Idaho Code § 33-2724, a library district is legally authorized to set a levy rate of up to $60 per $100,000 of taxable value (0.0006) for maintenance and operations.
The decision to propose a rate significantly lower than the legal maximum reflects our commitment to balancing essential library services with responsible taxpayer impact.
Important Election Day Information
Monday
April 27, 2026
Early Voting Begins
Tuesday
May 19, 2026
Is Election Day
This ballot measure requires a simple majority (50% + 1) of affirmative votes to pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
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An independent taxing district established under Idaho Code Title 33, Chapter 27, that provides dedicated funding for library services within its boundaries.
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To transition the Hailey and Bellevue Public Libraries from city-budget models to a stable, independent library taxing district to ensure long-term community services.
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The district encompasses the are from Greenhorn and East Fork Roads south to the Blaine County line, including Triumph, Gannett, and Magic Reservoir. It excludes the Little Wood River Library District (Carey and Picabo).
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In Idaho, library districts are governed by a voter-elected board of five trustees serving six-year terms. This board has exclusive control over the library’s budget and policies, independent from city councils or county commissioners.
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It is the Steering Committee’s goal and priority to maintain services in their existing locations, and services will not be impacted during this transition.
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The estimated proposed levy is $28 per $100,000 of taxable value (after the Idaho Homeowner’s Exemption) ensures a a dedicated stable future for our libraries.
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When you go to the polls on May 19th, you will see this ballot language:
STATEMENT: The policy of the state of Idaho, as part of the provisions for public education, is to promote the establishment and development of public library services for all people of Idaho. By so declaring the state acknowledges that the ability of its citizens to access information has a critical impact on the state’s educational success, economic development, provision for an informed electorate, and overall quality of life. The purpose of establishment of the Big Wood River Library District is to sustain, integrate, extend, and add to existing library services and resources and to make them available to district residents of all ages. The said district would include the incorporated cities of Hailey and Bellevue and extend library services to rural residents from Greenhorn and East Fork Roads southward to the boundaries of the Little Wood River Library District and borders of Blaine County. The Big Wood River Library District would be created and operated as an independent taxing district. The property tax to fund the district’s budget would be $2,150,000 for tax year 2027 and that would be the base amount used in calculating future property tax amounts to be levied. The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer would be a tax of twenty eight dollars ($28) per one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions.
Shall the Big Wood River Library District be created?
Big Wood River Library District - Yes
Big Wood River Library District - No
