Mid-Columbia Libraries (MCL) has served Pasco for 53 years through contracted services. Currently, there are two branches that serve the residents of Pasco: the West Pasco branch and the Downtown Pasco branch. In October the Pasco City Council passed an ordinance expressing the intent to annex.

In February 2026, Pasco residents will vote on whether to annex into the library district with a yes or no vote.

What is Annexation?

Annexation is a process in which voters in a city choose to legally join a library district. If the voters decide they want to annex into Mid-Columbia Libraries’ district, the city will no longer need to negotiate contracts on behalf of Pasco residents for MCL services. Instead, Pasco residents will directly fund library services with MCL and MCL will serve the residents of Pasco in perpetuity. This is exactly how other districts are funded, including the Pasco School District and the Port of Pasco.

Download a printable fact sheet.

Current Relationship Between Mid-Columbia Libraries and the City of Pasco

Mid-Columbia Libraries has been serving the residents of Pasco for 53 years through contracted library services. This means the City of Pasco negotiates contracts with MCL to provide services to residents and the city pays for those services through the city’s general fund.

Change if Annexation Passes

Pasco residents already fund the library through their city’s general fund. The change would mean that Pasco residents would fund the library directly.

If Annexation Passes

• Ensures Pasco residents have permanent access to library services 
• Pasco residents can vote on MCL ballot initiatives, bonds, and levies
• Pasco residents directly fund library services 

If Annexation Fails

• The City of Pasco will decide a new path forward for library services
• Any new contract could change or reduce library service levels

Funding the Library

Pasco residents already fund the library through their city’s general fund. If annexation passes, Pasco residents would fund the library directly through property taxes based on a levy rate. The 2025 levy rate is $0.234713461410 per 1,000 in property value. The following chart shows an estimated projection of costs based on home value.

Pasco Uses its Libraries

Mid-Columbia Libraries offers a variety of physical and digital services from the latest books and movies to programs and events for all ages. Pasco residents have access to over 600,000 items for check out, including 24/7 access to more than 200,000 downloadable eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and streaming video. Pasco residents also have access to computers, WiFi, printing services, meeting and study rooms, and so much more.

Download Pasco libraries annual snapshot 

Based on 2024 usage.

Election Information

Elections are held on the second Tuesday in February in Washington State. Ballots need to be returned by Tuesday, February 10, 2026. To register to vote or update your registration information, visit VoteWA.gov.