Bill Ramos
Responses to the WLA survey from Bill Ramos were not provided.

Chad Magendanz

What role do you envision public libraries playing in improving the lives of your constituents, and how will you ensure they are adequately funded and supported?
The librarians were an advocacy force like none other when I was Ranking on House Education, and their talking points still ring true today. I support our school libraries and our librarians, and I was one of the lead negotiators that doubled state funding for schools over 8 years for McCleary.

What connection do you see between libraries and informed citizens, healthy democracies, and the dissemination of accurate information within Washington state?
They say knowledge is power, and with the Internet dominated by misinformation, it's important that students have sources of information that they can trust.

How will you promote digital equity and ensure that libraries receive funding to close the digital divide, considering their decades-long experience in digital work?
Remote learning for COVID exacerbated the achievement gap, and I attribute much of that to the digital divide. Rural districts and low-income families simply didn't have the same access to broadband Internet and district laptops that we did here in the Bellevue School District.

How will you work to increase student access to strong school library programs staffed by qualified Teacher-Librarians?
I'll listen to policy recommendations from our teacher-librarians. I myself just renewed my residency teacher certification in Computer Science and Technology Education and am certified in two other states in those subject areas.

Libraries continue to see decreased funding for collections especially in rural and underserved areas. Presently, the state does not play any role in providing funds to public libraries. Would you support the creation of a state fund to provide money for public libraries’ collections?
Yes, and I would encourage public-private partnerships to do the same.

District 9

Mark Schoesler
Responses to the WLA survey from Mark Schoesler were not provided.

District 10

Ron Muzzall

Responses to the WLA survey from Ron Muzzall were not provided.

Janet St Clair

How have you used and supported libraries in your personal and professional experience?

As a County Commissioner, I have been responsible for administrative oversight of the bonds that helped build two libraries in Island County. I have been a donor to Friends of the Sno-Isle Library and a supporter of libraries since I was young. Currently, I am in partnership with Sno-Isle Libraries on a digital equity grant for our communities.

What role do you envision public libraries playing in improving the lives of your constituents, and how will you ensure they are adequately funded and supported?

I am a strong believer in the role of libraries for convening and community building, promoting literacy and early childhood education and as a place where constituents can find resources, digital literacy, employment and economic security. They are a critical partner in our role to promote equity and inclusion in our communities. Personally, I will always support our libraries through policy and budget, help promote their needs as junior taxing districts and community anchor institutions.

What connection do you see between libraries and informed citizens, healthy democracies, and the dissemination of accurate information within Washington state?

Libraries are trusted community institutions that provide information and assistance, educational outreach and workshops, and gathering places for community partners to host events and outreach. They are a strong partner in a healthy democracy and informed citizenry.

How will you promote digital equity and ensure that libraries receive funding to close the digital divide, considering their decades-long experience in digital work?

I have been deeply involved in closing the digital equity gap in our state through both infrastructure expansion and through digital navigation for seniors, veterans, low literacy and limited English speakers and other identified populations. I also am working on educational strategies and outreach for cyber security, how to keep kids safe online, healthcare digital literacy, economic development and other programs to promote digital equity. Libraries have been and will continue to be key partners in this work. I also think we must continue to support the E-Rate program by the FCC that uses funding to support schools and libraries.

How will you work to increase student access to strong school library programs staffed by qualified Teacher-Librarians?

This is an important question as we confront the reality of inadequate funding for public schools. I support re-examining our funding algorithms including regionalization policies that hurt rural and frontier schools.

Libraries continue to see decreased funding for collections especially in rural and underserved areas. Presently, the state does not play any role in providing funds to public libraries. Would you support the creation of a state fund to provide money for public libraries’ collections?

Yes. I also think we need to review the FCC programs that support libraries and schools to also explore how they can be better utilized and leveraged.

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District 11

Bob Hasegawa
Responses to the WLA survey from Bob Hasegawa were not provided.

District 12

Keith Goehner | Jim Mayhew

Responses to the WLA survey from Keith Goehner and Jim Mayhew were not provided.

District 14

Curtis King | Maria Beltran

Responses to the WLA survey from Curtis King and Maria Beltran were not provided.

District 16

Perry Dozier
Responses to the WLA survey from Perry Dozier were not provided.

Kari Isaacson

How have you used and supported libraries in your personal and professional experience?

Used to walk to neighborhood library when a kid; worked at Mortvedt Library at PLU as a college student; always had a library card! When working at the Skillman Foundation in Detroit, MI I initiated a $5 million grant to the Detroit Public Library to refurbish and reopen the downtown branch and rename it The Rose Skillman Library. (1990s)

What role do you envision public libraries playing in improving the lives of your constituents, and how will you ensure they are adequately funded and supported?

Libraries are sources of information whatever the media - and community hubs available for meetings, seminars, lectures and candidate forums. The children's portion of the library with its enrichment and development opportunities for all children including the poorest is critical to civil society. I am a strong advocate for libraries, and as a Senator will support laws and policies that strengthen them, and preserve their traditional function and look for ways to maximize their resources (knowledge, staff, space) for the community.

What connection do you see between libraries and informed citizens, healthy democracies, and the dissemination of accurate information within Washington state?

Key to all of the above.

How will you promote digital equity and ensure that libraries receive funding to close the digital divide, considering their decades-long experience in digital work?

Important that access to the internet and computers is available to people who otherwise would not have that access.

How will you work to increase student access to strong school library programs staffed by qualified Teacher-Librarians?

As a Senator will welcome ideas and suggestions for ways to increase resources for libraries from Teacher-Librarians and schools.

Libraries continue to see decreased funding for collections especially in rural and underserved areas. Presently, the state does not play any role in providing funds to public libraries. Would you support the creation of a state fund to provide money for public libraries’ collections?

It is highly likely that I would do so, and also would seek to partner with philanthropy to encourage public and private support for collections. I have been somewhat involved with the effort in Columbia County, WA to fight for library independence and preservation with Elise Severe of Neighbors United for Progress (NUP) PAC. I was in the courtroom when the decision was announced declining to approve a ballot initiative to close the local library after a "Moms for Liberty" aligned group was unsuccessful banning 7 targeted books. NUP also was key to the law passed earlier this year making it more difficult to put such a measure on the ballot through initiative. (i.e. bringing the number of signatures required to put such a measures on the ballot up to the % required by other initiatives).

District 17

Paul Harris | Maria Keethler
Responses to the WLA survey from Paul Harris and Maria Keethler were not provided.

District 18

Adrian Cortes | Brad Benton
Responses to the WLA survey from Adrian Cortes and Brad Benton were not provided.

District 19

Jeff Wilson | Andi Day

Responses to the WLA survey from Jeff Wilson and Andi Day were not provided.

District 20

John Braun
Responses to the WLA survey from John Braun were not provided.

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District 22

What role do you envision public libraries playing in improving the lives of your constituents, and how will you ensure they are adequately funded and supported?
Libraries are critical for youth and those on the economic edge to access texts and information sources that they may not be able to afford or acquire.

What connection do you see between libraries and informed citizens, healthy democracies, and the dissemination of accurate information within Washington state?
We need to encourage people to read, seek, and analyze information in depth, not just from social media. And libraries fill a role here.

How will you promote digital equity and ensure that libraries receive funding to close the digital divide, considering their decades-long experience in digital work?
On the Olympic Peninsula, we have a good deal of state forestlands managed by DNR. Timber revenue from that land supports many local taxing districts, including libraries. We need to continue to manage our timber lands in a responsible manner, balancing environmental, economic, and wildfire concerns. Doing so will continue to supply library funding.

How will you work to increase student access to strong school library programs staffed by qualified Teacher-Librarians?
The WA constitution provides that providing public education is our paramount duty. This includes strong school libraries providing access to information and teaching how to locate that information, and this needs to be supported.

Libraries continue to see decreased funding for collections especially in rural and underserved areas. Presently, the state does not play any role in providing funds to public libraries. Would you support the creation of a state fund to provide money for public libraries’ collections?
Please see my comments above regarding DNR timber revenue for community libraries and school funding including school libraries. Beyond that I will need to dive in further into conflicting budget demands before I take a position on additional state funding.

What role do you envision public libraries playing in improving the lives of your constituents, and how will you ensure they are adequately funded and supported?
I envision public libraries playing a vital role in improving the lives of my constituents by serving as inclusive community hubs that provide access to education, information, and essential services. Libraries are not just places for books but are centers for lifelong learning, offering resources such as digital literacy training, job search assistance, internet access, and spaces for community engagement. They offer programs for all ages, from early childhood literacy initiatives to senior programs, helping bridge educational gaps and fostering social connections.

To ensure libraries are adequately funded and supported, I will advocate for robust public funding at the state level, recognizing that libraries are essential for equitable access to information. I will also explore partnerships with private organizations and local governments to expand resources and services. By championing legislation that prioritizes funding for public libraries, especially in underserved and rural communities, I will work to ensure they remain accessible, well-staffed, and equipped to meet the evolving needs of our constituents.

What connection do you see between libraries and informed citizens, healthy democracies, and the dissemination of accurate information within Washington state?
Libraries play a critical role in fostering informed citizens, which is essential for a healthy democracy. They provide free access to a wide range of information, allowing individuals to educate themselves on issues that impact their lives, from local government policies to global events. This access ensures that all citizens, regardless of economic background, can participate in civic life with a solid understanding of the issues at hand. By hosting educational programs, workshops, and forums on current events and civic engagement, libraries help cultivate a more informed and engaged electorate.

In the era of misinformation and "fake news," libraries also serve as trusted sources for accurate and reliable information. They provide vetted resources, including databases, scholarly articles, and books, that help combat the spread of false information. Librarians themselves play a vital role in guiding individuals toward credible sources and teaching critical thinking skills, empowering citizens to make informed decisions based on facts rather than misinformation.

In Washington State, where civic participation and community involvement are cornerstones of our values, libraries help disseminate accurate information and foster open dialogue. Supporting public libraries is therefore crucial in promoting a well-informed citizenry, which in turn strengthens our democratic processes by ensuring that all voices can be heard and that decisions are made based on facts.

How will you promote digital equity and ensure that libraries receive funding to close the digital divide, considering their decades-long experience in digital work?
Promoting digital equity is essential to ensuring that all residents, regardless of income or location, have access to the internet and digital tools, which are increasingly necessary for education, job opportunities, and civic participation. Libraries, with their decades-long experience in providing digital resources, are central to closing the digital divide.

To promote digital equity, I will advocate for increased funding for public libraries to expand their digital services. This includes securing state and federal grants specifically aimed at providing high-speed internet access, computers, and digital literacy training in underserved communities. Libraries are already trusted institutions that provide internet access and technology to those who may not have it at home, and investing further in these services will help ensure everyone has the opportunity to engage with the digital world.

In addition, I will work to ensure that rural and low-income areas receive targeted support to bridge the digital divide. This could include partnering with private companies and non-profits to provide discounted internet service, expanding Wi-Fi hotspots, and supporting digital literacy programs that teach essential online skills. By working to secure sustainable funding sources, I will help libraries continue their vital role in promoting digital inclusion and ensuring that all Washingtonians have the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.

How will you work to increase student access to strong school library programs staffed by qualified Teacher-Librarians?
I will work to increase student access to strong school library programs by advocating for policies that require every school to have a well-funded library program staffed by qualified Teacher-Librarians. Teacher-Librarians play a critical role in promoting literacy, fostering a love of reading, and teaching essential research and digital literacy skills. They ensure that students have access to a diverse range of learning materials and can navigate the increasingly digital landscape of information.

To achieve this, I will push for legislation that mandates the hiring of certified Teacher-Librarians in every school, especially in underserved districts, where library programs are often underfunded or cut altogether. I will also advocate for increased funding to ensure that these library programs have the resources they need, including up-to-date books, technology, and learning tools.

Additionally, I will work with educational stakeholders, including school boards and teacher unions, to emphasize the importance of strong library programs in the overall academic success of students. Studies have shown that students in schools with well-funded libraries and qualified Teacher-Librarians perform better academically, especially in reading and writing.

By making school libraries a priority, we can ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed academically and become lifelong learners.

Libraries continue to see decreased funding for collections especially in rural and underserved areas. Presently, the state does not play any role in providing funds to public libraries. Would you support the creation of a state fund to provide money for public libraries’ collections?
Yes, I would support the creation of a state fund to provide money for public libraries’ collections, especially in rural and underserved areas. Libraries play a critical role in fostering education, literacy, and access to information, yet many struggle with reduced funding, particularly in areas that need these resources the most. Establishing a state fund dedicated to library collections would help ensure that all Washingtonians, regardless of where they live, have access to up-to-date books, technology, and educational materials.

Public libraries are essential for promoting lifelong learning and serving as community hubs, but without proper funding, they cannot provide the necessary resources for their patrons. A state fund would alleviate the burden on local communities and help bridge the gap in resource availability, ensuring equity in access to knowledge and information. This would be particularly beneficial in rural areas, where libraries are often one of the few sources of educational and digital resources.

Supporting such a fund would also align with broader goals of promoting education, reducing inequality, and ensuring that every resident, regardless of geography, has access to the tools needed to succeed in today’s information-driven world. 

District 40

Elizabeth Lovelett | Charles Carrell
Responses to the WLA survey from Elizabeth Lovelett and Charles Carrell were not provided.

District 41

Lisa Wellman | Jaskaran Sarao
Responses to the WLA survey from Lisa Wellman and Jaskaran Sarao were not provided.

District 49

Annette Cleveland | Lucia Worthington
Responses to the WLA survey from Annette Cleveland and Lucia Worthington were not provided.