Save Ohio Libraries!!!

At a news conference on Friday, June 19, the Governor proposed a cut to state funding for public libraries of $227.3 million in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 as part of his plan to fill the $3.2 billion gap in the budget that must be balanced by the Ohio General Assembly's Conference Committee by June 30. This will mean a more than 50% cut in funding for many of Ohio's public libraries. Libraries could close or face significant reductions in operations as a result of the Governor's proposal. This cut is in addition to the 20% reduction in funding that libraries are already facing, because their funding comes from 2.22% of the state’s declining General Revenue Fund.

With some 70% of the state's 251 public libraries relying solely on state funding to fund their operations, the reduction in funding will mean that many will close branches or drastically reduce hours and services. The Governor's proposed funding cuts come at a time when Ohio's public libraries are experiencing unprecedented increases in demands for services. In every community throughout the state, Ohioans are turning to their public library for free high speed Internet access and help with employment searches, children and teens are beginning summer reading programs, and people of all ages are turning to the library as a lifeline during these difficult economic times. Ohio's public libraries offer CRITICAL services to those looking for jobs and operating small businesses. Public libraries are an integral part of education, which Governor Strickland says is critical to the state's economic recovery. But it is unlikely that many of Ohio's public library systems, especially those without local levies, can remain open with these proposed cuts.

About 30% of Ohio's public libraries have local property tax levies that supplement the state's funding. However, with the Governor's proposed drastic cuts in the state funding for libraries, even those libraries will face decisions regarding substantial reductions in hours of operation, materials, and staffing. Heights Libraries would lose more than $1.2 million per year in state revenue. The library board would decide, with input from the public, what reductions in services and hours would be made.

Let your state legislators and the governor know what your library means to you!
Call or click here to directly e-mail those listed below:
Congresswoman Barbara Boyd
614-644-5079
district09@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Vernon Sykes, Chairman of the House
Finance Committee
614-466-3100
District44@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Armond Budish, Speaker of the House
614-466-5441
District08@ohr.state.oh.us

Governor Ted Strickland
614-466-3555

Senator Shirley Smith – District 21
614-466-4857
senatorsmith@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator Nina Turner – District 25
614-466-4583
senatorturner@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Additional information from Library Journal:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6666479.html

Website:
http://saveohiolibraries.com/