Home > Services and Library Info > Financial Overview

Financial Overview

Property taxes pay for more than sixty percent of the cost to operate the Library. The Santa Clara County Library is a special district and is entitled to receive a small designated portion of the property tax paid by all property owners in the County unincorporated area and the nine cities within the Library's service area. Property owners outside the Library service area do not pay Library taxes.

In addition to the property tax, property within the district is also assessed for enhanced service through a Community Facilities District. Voters approved the special tax in 2005 with a 72% mandate. The assessment is required to partially replace revenues lost by the Library when the State legislature shifted more than 43% of the Library's property tax to support a State budget shortfall. About 20% of the Library's revenue comes from the special tax.

While relying on locally generated property taxes and the special library tax for eighty percent of its revenue, the remaining amount comes from the State, fines, and interest income. The State provides motor vehicle in-lieu fees. The State Library also administers an annual per capita award and payments to libraries that extend their services to all residents. Grants are also received for programs such as literacy. Fines and fees paid by Library patrons account for about 3% of all Library revenue.

Some cities choose to enhance local service by providing supplementary funding to support extended hours of operation. Three cities currently pay for such extended service. Two of those cities have established a joint powers authority, with voter approval, to provide additional library service taxing ability within their area.

Importantly, the Library receives many gifts of money, equipment, books, and time from Friends of the Library, corporations, and individuals. Cash contributions are usually in excess of $100,000 annually and reflect the community's generous, support and commitment to the Library.