Dear Seattle,

Do you like books?

The Library Levy is on the ballot. Seattle voters have a critical choice to make about the future of our Library, by August 4. Learn more about what the 2026 Levy funds here.

AI likes books.

DYK? AI companies are ordering lots of books to scan and destroy, so they can train models on higher quality inputs and hold a monopoly on information. Imagine that horror show. This isn’t apoco-fiction, it’s reality. BUT Seattle has the opportunity to protect access to information by funding SPL. [source, linked to timestamp: AI Companies Are Buying Old Books, 404 Media]

Why is AI eating books?

Books are the primary sources of quality information, pre 2023.

Books don’t generate:

• Model collapse / hallucinations
• Algorithmic manipulation
• Ad injections
• Relentless tracking
• Exploitable Data

It is extremely important that our community maintain a secure, independent archive of literature and media. Our libraries are institutions of knowledge and history. For the love of culture, society and education, please vote “Yes” on the levy to fund SPL.