💥 A Bold Proposal: Close Washoe County’s Libraries and Save $17 Million
Washoe County has 130 publicly funded libraries, but only 12 are run by the County. The remaining 118 libraries are housed in public schools and are paid for through existing education taxes.
Last week, I had a conversation with Paul White, a local education advocate and founder of the watchdog group Education Crusade. He shared a provocative, numbers-driven proposal that could solve Washoe County’s $27 million budget deficit.
Close all 12 of Washoe County’s taxpayer-funded public libraries.
White, who has spent years analyzing education budgets and public infrastructure, laid out the math, the rationale, and the bold path forward. While his plan may be controversial, it’s grounded in real fiscal analysis and deserves a look.
🧾 130 Libraries, but 12 Cost $17 Million
Washoe County has 130 publicly funded libraries, but only 12 are run by the County. The remaining 118 libraries are housed in public schools and are paid for through existing education taxes.
White points out that the 12 County-run libraries cost $17 million per year, mainly due to generous staffing costs. Full-time County librarians reportedly make $68,000–$85,000 annually, plus full benefits and pensions. Meanwhile, actual library usage has plummeted in recent years.
“The truth is, almost nobody goes to the library to check out books anymore,” White told me. “You can read almost anything online for free, anytime. County libraries have become recreational daycare centers at best, and homeless drop-in sites at worst.”
🧍♂️ Who’s Using the Libraries? And For What?
White claims that most patrons of County libraries are not there to read. According to both his direct observations and conversations with library staff, a majority of the clientele are unhoused individuals who use library resources as a form of shelter, access to the internet, and restrooms. Some even engage in drug use or inappropriate computer activity.
That, he says, is not what the taxpayers signed up for.
“Libraries have drifted far from their original purpose,” White said. “And now we’re spending $17 million a year to provide for people who just need a warm place to stay. That’s not sustainable.”
🎯 White’s 3-Point Plan to Repurpose Library Infrastructure
Here’s how Paul White envisions the County reallocating those millions:
Close all 12 County-run libraries. Repurpose the buildings for County departments currently renting space and saving millions in commercial rent costs.
Eliminate or reassign all County library staff, including the now-vacant Library Director position.
Negotiate with the Washoe County School District to allow selected school libraries to open to the public after hours, on weekends, and during the summer.
He emphasizes that the public wouldn’t lose access to libraries; instead, they would transition to a model that leverages existing resources.
🎨 But What About Children’s Programming?
Critics often emphasize the importance of libraries for youth enrichment, which includes arts and crafts, story hours, and community activities.
White doesn’t dispute the value of those programs but argues they are better suited for organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, which provide broader activities at lower cost and are privately funded.
“We’re paying librarians $80,000 a year to run programs that nonprofits do better for a fraction of the cost,” he said. “That’s not fair to taxpayers or the kids.”
🧠 The Bigger Picture: Nostalgia vs. Need
White’s proposal challenges the idea that brick-and-mortar libraries are a necessary fixture of 21st-century life.
“We all love the idea of libraries,” he said. “But we have to separate nostalgia from reality. Today’s reading, research, and even tutoring happens online.”
The question now is whether County Commissioners will take this idea seriously or retreat from political risk.
💬 What Do You Think?
Is it time for Washoe County to rethink its library system? Could $17 million per year be better spent on law enforcement, infrastructure, water security, or even tax relief?
The budget debate is intensifying, and Washoe needs to address its deficit. What do you think? Leave a comment.
As a retired Librarian (30+ years in public and academic libraries) I'm well aware of the decreasing use of public libraries as sources of books and other material. However, I have to believe that there is more waste and abuse in other city agencies that easily could be recoved so that at least some Libraries could remain open. Also, bringing in the salaries of Library workers is a strawman. Let's look at the salaries and perks given to elected officials at all levels, especially those in city hall.
Clearly the function of libraries has changed with technology. I frequent the library on a regular basis and see other people there checking out and returning books. The ability to check out eBooks is a great option, especially for those that are less mobile.
The librarians (also known as research assistants) are able to teach school children how to get information from multiple sources. Using just the internet can lead to misinformation, the librarian can instruct how to find reputable sources.
Do the schools near the libraries being selected for closure have similar resources? It would be a shame to leave some children with no library resource.
The libraries also host many local activities including hosting the important function of voting.
I have no trouble allowing well behaved people using the library as a place to warm in the winter or cool in the summer. Obviously we need to do more to support people so the have alternatives to the library.
The proposal seems be very superficial focusing on the cost savings and make some general statement to support the closure. Before condemning the libraries, I would like to see a comprehensive list of what each library does, the number of people being serviced and most importantly a statement from each librarian on the benefits of having there library and impact on the community if it were to close.