In 1976 voters passed the first countywide tax measure to fund library services and WCCLS was created as the governing structure. Our cooperative extended library services to all county residents – over half did not previously have access to a public library.
- 1974-1975: Study about countywide library service initiated. Beaverton initiated a federal grant to study/implement countywide service.
- May 1976: Library services for all residents established by voters. Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Sherwood and Tigard city libraries joined by community libraries in Banks, Cedar Mill, Town Center (Tanasbourne) and West Slope to create WCCLS.
- 1977: Tualatin Public Library joins WCCLS.
- June 1979: Checkouts exceed one million annually.
- May 1986: Countywide computer system replaces the card catalog.
- September 1996: Garden Home Community Library joins WCCLS.
- 1996-97: Cooperative library services are rolled into county's permanent tax base by ballot measures 47/50 (county general fund).
- September 1998: Countywide computer catalog converts to web-based system that incorporates internet technology.
- 2002: Tax levy fails resulting in funding cuts.
- May 2004: Tax levy fails to net 50% voter turnout.
- Summer 2005: Over 17,000 kids participate in the Summer Reading Program.
- November 2006: Tax levy passes with 57% approval.
- June 2007: North Plains Public Library joins WCCLS.
- Fiscal Year 2006-07: Checkouts exceed 7 million annually.
- September 2007: Website is redesigned and gets new URL (wccls.org).
- June 2009: Checkouts exceed 10 million annually.
- 2010: Free Wi-Fi offered to the public through WCCLS libraries.
- November 2010: Tax levy passes with 66% approval.
- 2010: Beaverton City Library, Murray Scholls branch opens.
- June 2012: Checkouts exceed 13 million annually.
- September 2015: Website is redesigned and becomes mobile-friendly.
- November 2015: Tax levy passes with 64% approval.
- December 2016: Aloha Community Library joins WCCLS.
