Learn About the Wake County Public Library Bond

The Importance of Local Elections, Local Issues, and “Down Ballot” Opportunities

The November election will be upon us very soon. While major media attention is often directed to national and statewide elections, there are local issues and races of great importance to Wake County residents. These issues, usually on the reverse side of the ballot, are referred to as “down ballot” races or issues and often include bond referenda.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan 501C3 organization. As such, we cannot endorse candidates, parties, or platforms and cannot be perceived as lobbying for a particular interest. We can, however, provide educational material about issues and encourage voter turnout and voting.  

In addition to local races for elected office, there will be a public library bond on the November ballot. To learn more about the bond and what it entails, check the Wake County website https://www.wake.gov/wake-county-public-libraries-bond-referendum.

The $142 Million dollar bond proposes replacing 2 aging community libraries, expanding the size of one community library, building 3 new libraries in centers of growing population, and allocating dollars to general library renovations in 8 locations. 

Currently, the drive time to reach a public library averages about 20 minutes for 82% of the population. Should this bond pass and when the building plans are complete, the average drive time to a library for 87% of Wake County residents should be 10 minutes. The last library bond was in 2007 for $45 Million.

The League encourages all citizens to research and explore this issue, among others, and then to vote according to personal preferences on November 5. To learn more about the specifics, a sample ballot should be available by the end of August from the Wake County Board of Elections.