LIBRARY SUPPORTER:
Ohio’s libraries urgently need your help! We need you to contact your state representative today and tell them not to cut library funding.
The Ohio House of Representatives is currently working on the state budget for the next two years. The House Finance Committee accepted an amendment yesterday that eliminates the Public Library Fund and replaces it with a line-item appropriation, representing a $100 million cut to library funding compared to Governor DeWine’s budget.
The unprecedented elimination of the Public Library Fund comes at a time when libraries across the state already saw a $27 million shortfall in state funding in 2024. Ohio’s libraries are currently funded at the same level we were in the year 2000 with no adjustment for inflation. Since then, our community has grown while the cost of library resources and services has increased, and we have evolved to serve our customers.
HOW DOES THIS IMPACT YOU? We rely on funding from the state’s Public Library Fund to support not just operations and capital investments but the very books, library resources, programs and services our community relies on. This includes:
- Services for Seniors
- Children/teen programming and literacy
- Tutoring Services
- Makerspace programming
- Digital literacy and technology assistance
- Adult education and online resources
- Adults with disabilities programming, and so many more
Eliminating the Public Library Fund and replacing it with the same level of funding libraries received a quarter of a century ago is a threat to all library programs, materials, and services.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Contact your state representative and Speaker Matt Huffman TODAY. Tell them to restore the Public Library Fund to the amount designated in the Governor’s proposed budget and share how important the library is to you and your family and how a cut to libraries would impact you and your neighbors.
You can find your state representative’s phone number and email by searching your home address here. Speaker Huffman can be reached at [email protected] or (614) 466-6344.
We’re grateful for the community we serve and the support you show for our libraries.
Thank you for acting today to help restore funding for Columbiana Public Library and libraries across the state.
We also have a Google Form available for you to share what you love about the library and how it has impacted you. You can also submit a video testimonial or short video of you saying, “I love my library.” These testimonials will be sent to our representatives to show how valued libraries are to our communities. Every voice counts!
Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/2KuMNqQ98JbrQw8y9