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.
We Open Doors
for Community
Libraries are more than books — they’re safe spaces for kids after school, places for seniors to learn technology, hubs and resources for students, teachers, and small businesses, and welcoming spots for newcomers.
Why Now?
Our libraries are at a crossroads — and the decisions we make today will determine the stability of their future:
Bellevue Library is at risk: Funding has already been cut, hours reduced, and without a dedicated district, services could shrink further or even face closure.
Hailey Library is at capacity: Diminishing budgets and growing demand from students, families, and residents exceeds current resources, limiting programs, staffing, and access.
Rural residents face barriers: Families, neighbors and teachers outside city limits cannot access libraries freely.
Funding is limited and competitive: City budgets cannot keep pace with growing demand for all critical services, and libraries are vying for funding and facing more cuts.
A YES vote forms the proposed Big Wood River Library District, creating stable, predictable funding that protects our libraries, expands access, and ensures every resident benefits from literacy, technology, and community connection.
Proven Model
Library districts are the most common model for sustaining public libraries in Idaho, with 69 already serving communities across the state.
The proposed library district ensures equitable, reliable services for Hailey, Bellevue, and surrounding rural areas. By pooling resources, we can remove residency barriers, expand programming, and grow sustainable services to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
Hear From Your Neighbors:
Why a Yes Vote Matters
Benefits of a Yes Vote
Key Facts You
Should Know
Stable, dedicated funding — ensures libraries are fully supported, independent of city budgets, and protected from cuts.
Voter-elected Board of Trustees — provides locally controlled oversight, accountability, and transparency.
Proven economic impact — libraries return roughly $5 in community value for every $1 invested, supporting education, careers, and lifelong learning.
Long-term planning and growth — a district allows expansion of hours, collections, programs, and services to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
Strengthens the community — equitable access, predictable services, and sustainable investment ensure libraries remain a hub where everyone can learn, connect, and thrive.
Levy transparency — the proposed rate is $28 per $100,000 of taxable value, well below the legal maximum of $60 per $100,000, reflecting a thoughtful balance between essential services and responsible taxpayer impact.
Community Impact in 2025
That’s more than 300 visits every single day — kids learning, families connecting, neighbors meeting, and students studying.
Thousands of books, movies, hotspots, games, and learning tools borrowed — resources families rely on every week.
Classes, workshops, and talks helping adults build skills, explore interests, and stay connected.
Thousands of safe, enriching moments after school and during summer when kids had a place to learn and belong.
Reliable internet access for homework, job searches, telehealth visits, and staying connected.
Hundreds of neighbors giving their time to strengthen one of the community’s most trusted spaces.
A Yes Vote Means:
Creates the Big Wood River Library District with stable, dedicated funding
Expands hours and services to meet growing community demand
Removes residency barriers, ensuring equal access for all
Strengthens programs, digital equity, and community connections
Ensures predictable funding and long-term sustainability
A No Vote Means:
Continued competitive and limited funding
Libraries face threat of service cuts or closure
Reduction in library hours, programs, and materials
Barriers for rural residents remain
Tax Impact & Transparency
What does this mean for homeowners?
Estimated levy: $28 per $100,000 of taxable value (after Idaho Homeowner’s Exemption)
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. This estimated levy of $28 per $100,000 is well below the legal maximum of $60.
This rate ensures libraries remain fully funded and accessible, while keeping the cost to homeowners fair and predictable.
When you say YES to libraries, you say YES to…
Residents will vote on the proposed levy during the mid-term elections
Election Day: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Early Voting Begins: Monday, April 27, 2026
Ballot Question: Shall the Big Wood River Library District be created?
YES – Big Wood River Library District
NO – Big Wood River Library District
For detailed property info or GIS maps visit: Blaine County GIS
Questions about your assessed value: 208-788-5535 (Blaine County Assessor)
FAQs
We’re An Open Book
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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 area 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 levy is $28 per $100,000 of taxable value (after the Idaho Homeowner’s Exemption). This rate would establish reliable, locally controlled funding for library services and is well below the maximum rate of $60 per $100,000 allowed under Idaho law.
See the Levy Impact section for example calculations. -
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