What Spokane County Library District does

Spokane County Library District is a Washington State special purpose district established in 1945 under RCW 27.12 that provides public library services to all residents of Spokane County free of charge. The district operates 13 physical branch locations across communities including Airway Heights, Cheney, Deer Park, Medical Lake, North Spokane, and Spokane Valley, supplemented by LINC mobile library services reaching underserved areas throughout the county. Its service portfolio spans traditional library borrowing (physical and digital books, audiobooks, streaming video via OverDrive/Libby, Kanopy, and hoopla), maker resources (3D printing, Glowforge laser cutters, recording studios via The Lab and STCU Studio), specialized lending programs (Library of Things, Seed Libraries, Mobile Hotspots), cultural passes to local museums and theatres, and educational services including Gale Courses, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, HelpNow tutoring, and the Excel Adult High School diploma program. The district operates Reading Buddy and Summer Reading Challenge programs in partnership with Numerica Credit Union and local elementary schools, and publishes the Library Out Loud podcast across major audio and video platforms.

The underlying technology architecture combines an in-house catalog system at catalog.scld.org with the SCLD Libraries mobile app (currently in downtime due to a provider update) and integrates approximately 15 third-party digital platforms for content delivery, learning, analytics, and volunteer management (via Better Impact). The business model is fundamentally non-commercial: SCLD is funded primarily through voter-approved property tax levies and does not charge patrons for any services. Supplementary funding flows through the affiliated Library Foundation of Spokane County (501(c)(3) nonprofit) and Friends of the Library volunteer groups conducting used book sales. The district is currently seeking voter approval for Library Levy Proposition 1 on the August 4, 2026 ballot to restore its regular property tax levy rate. Revenue and headcount figures are not disclosed in available data; comparable Washington library districts suggest an operating budget in the $15M–$25M range.

Name

Spokane County Library District

Legal name

Spokane County Library District

Website

https://scld.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1945

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Spokane County Library District is a publicly funded Washington State special purpose district operating 13 branches plus LINC mobile services, providing free library, digital, maker, cultural, and educational services to all Spokane County residents, financed primarily through voter-approved property tax levies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Library digital resources
• Community education programs
• Library lending programs
• Mobile library services

Headquarters

HQ city

Spokane

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Property Tax Levy: Public library district funded primarily through regular property tax levies. Currently seeking levy restoration on August 2026 ballot to restore regular property tax levy rate that funds daily operations and maintenance.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Donations through Library Foundation of Spokane County and Friends of the Library groups who raise funds through used book sales and community activities

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Spokane County Library District operates as a publicly-funded library system providing free access to physical and digital library materials, online learning resources, and community programs to Spokane County residents. The district operates 13 branch libraries plus LINC mobile services, lending books, eBooks, audiobooks, streaming media, museum passes, mobile hotspots, and Library of Things items (electronics, tools, seeds, maker equipment). Additional offerings include educational and literacy programs such as Reading Buddy, Summer Reading Challenge, and community cultural partnerships funded primarily through voter-approved property tax levies.

Product overview

Spokane County Library District operates as a public library system offering a unified platform of library services through physical branch locations and digital channels. The core offering includes the library catalog and borrowing system accessible via the website and SCLD Libraries mobile app. The digital ecosystem integrates multiple third-party platforms including OverDrive/Libby for eBooks and audiobooks, Kanopy and hoopla for streaming media, and various educational platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Gale Courses, and Udemy. Physical and digital collections are complemented by specialized services including the Library of Things (electronics, tools, maker equipment), Museum & Cultural Passes, Mobile Hotspots, and technology spaces like The Lab and STCU Studio. Reading programs including the Reading Buddy Program and Summer Reading Challenge, along with the Library Out Loud podcast, extend engagement beyond traditional library services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SCLD Libraries Mobile App Mobile application for iOS and Android providing catalog access, account management, and library services on-the-go for Spokane County library cardholders.
• Library Catalog Online catalog (catalog.scld.org) providing access to physical and digital library collections including books, media, and digital resources with account management features for patrons.
• Library of Things Collection of borrowable items including electronics, educational tools, games, kitchen appliances, sports equipment, and maker equipment such as 3D printers and Glowforge laser cutters, available for checkout with a library card.
• Museum & Cultural Passes Free or discounted passes to local museums, cultural centers, natural attractions, and sporting events available for checkout with a Spokane County library card.
• Mobile Hotspots Portable WiFi hotspot devices available for checkout to patrons who need internet access outside the library.
• Mobile Printing Service allowing patrons to print documents from anywhere by sending them to library printers via email or web upload for pickup at any SCLD location.
• Library Out Loud Podcast Weekly official podcast featuring discussions about library services, community partners, authors, librarians, and upcoming events, available in audio and video formats on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, and YouTube.
• Reading Buddy Program Mentorship program pairing volunteer reading buddies with elementary school students for 8-week sessions of weekly one-on-one reading, with background-checked volunteers and training; sponsored by Numerica Credit Union.
• Summer Reading Challenge Annual reading incentive program available online through Beanstack, encouraging patrons of all ages to track reading for rewards and prize drawings.
• Seed Library Seed lending program allowing patrons to borrow heirloom vegetable, herb, and flower seeds with the commitment to return seeds after harvest; available at 5 seed library locations in the county.
• Meeting Rooms Reserved meeting spaces at library locations available for community groups, programs, and events.
• LINC Mobile Services Mobile library services bringing library resources to underserved areas throughout Spokane County via a bookmobile.
• The Lab at North Spokane Library Technology-focused space at the North Spokane Library providing patron access to recording equipment, podcast studios, and other technology resources.
• The STCU Studio at Spokane Valley Library Media creation studio space at the Spokane Valley Library sponsored by Spokane Teachers Credit Union, offering equipment for recording and content creation.
• Book Butler Personalized book recommendation service where librarians select books tailored to patron reading preferences.
• Book Clubs Various book club programs including the Spokane Is Reading community reading program and online book discussion opportunities.
• Microsoft Certification Testing Testing center services for Microsoft certification exams available at Spokane County library locations.
• Free Afternoon Snack Program Free snack program for children available at select library locations during school breaks and throughout the year.
• Project Memory Digitization service available through the Library of Things allowing patrons to convert old photos and home movies to digital format.
• Stay Sharp Kits Activity kits designed to support cognitive health and provide stimulating activities for individuals facing memory loss.
• Excel Adult High School Diploma program offered in partnership with Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, enabling adults to earn a high school diploma through the library.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million digital reads checked out through Libby/OverDrive in 2024
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration17 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Better ImpactcoreTechnology or IntegrationVolunteer application portal provider for Reading Buddy Program and other volunteer opportunities at SCLD.
• Local Elementary SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with local elementary schools for Reading Buddy Program coordination. Students meet with reading buddies once per week for 8 weeks at their schools to read together one-on-one.
• Friends of the Library GroupscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-based nonprofit volunteer organizations (Argonne, Cheney, Moran Prairie) that raise funds through used book sales and community activities to enhance library programs and services.
• Spokane Transit Authority (STA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program and Zero-Fare Rider's License program providing free bus transportation for youth.
• Spokane Zero Waste / Mend-It CaféminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration hosting Mend-It Café programs at library locations to promote waste reduction and repair skills.
• Cat Tales Wildlife CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural pass program providing free family passes to Cat Tales Wildlife Center for educational wildlife experiences.
• Spokane Civic TheatreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural pass program providing free passes to award-winning Spokane Civic Theatre performances.
• Spokane SymphonyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural pass program providing free passes to Spokane Symphony education and community programs.
• City of Spokane (Waste Reduction Education)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for School-Cycle Supply Drive collecting gently used school supplies for community redistribution.
• Local Museums and Cultural CentersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseum and Cultural Passes program providing access to local museums, cultural centers, natural wonders, and sporting events.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• King County Library System: Washington State library system serving a similar suburban/county footprint with multiple branches, digital lending, and community programming. Most directly comparable peer given shared state funding framework and similar mix of branches, mobile services, and digital resources.
• Pierce County Library System: Washington State county-level library system with multiple branches, digital lending through OverDrive/Libby, and community-focused programming. Closely comparable in governance structure, funding model, and service mix.
• Seattle Public Library: Major urban public library in Washington State offering branches, digital resources, maker spaces, and cultural programming. Comparable in service breadth and digital integration, though serving a denser urban geography.
• Hennepin County Library: Minnesota county-level library system with multiple branches, digital lending, and community programming. Comparable county-district governance structure, tax funding model, and service mix including cultural programming.
• San Diego County Library: California county library district operating branches and digital services funded by property taxes. Comparable governance and revenue model, with similar mix of physical lending and digital resources.

Others

• OverDrive / Libby: Primary digital lending platform provider integrated into SCLD's catalog for eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines. Serves as both a technology vendor and a comparator for digital collection scale across public libraries.

Broad incumbents

• Brooklyn Public Library: Major borough-wide public library system in New York offering branches, digital lending, and extensive educational programming. Comparable service categories but operates in a denser urban setting.
• Chicago Public Library: Major metropolitan library system with branches, digital resources, and workforce development programs (e.g., Maker Lab, workforce skills). Comparable in offering breadth including maker spaces and digital learning platforms.
• New York Public Library: Large urban public library with extensive branch network, digital lending, and educational programming. Comparable service categories but at vastly larger scale and primarily metropolitan rather than county-wide.

Regional players

• Multnomah County Library: Oregon-based county library system with comparable branch network, digital lending, and community programming. Operates in a similar Pacific Northwest context but in a different state regulatory environment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/SpCoLibraryDist
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/SpokaneCountyLibrary
• Facebookfacebook.com/SpokaneCountyLibraryDistrict
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/spokane-county-library-district
• Instagraminstagram.com/spokanecountylibrary
• Pinterestpinterest.com/spcolibrarydist
• TikToktiktok.com/@spokanecountylibrary

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Spokane County Library District