I'm a librarian for a rural library system in Ohio and we just received word today that the Governor's proposed budget will cut funding for Ohio public libraries by 50%. Many libraries will be forced to cut services and hours, or to close outright.
As you can guess, given the economic downturn, Ohio library usage has dramatically increased over the last two years. As patrons trim their personal budgets, they rely on libraries more and more for access to reading material and other media. We're also the one-stop clearinghouse for government and community information. People have also come to rely on us for job searches and assistance and for free, public broadband Internet access.
The Governor's budget will mean the closure of more than half of the state's public libraries, and will leave many counties without any library service whatsoever.
The budget committees will meet this week to make their final decisions. Librarians statewide are shell-shocked. We anticipated major cuts, but not in the 50% range.
Ohio residents are urged to ACT NOW to help preserve Ohio's public libraries.
Below are parts of the e-mail being circulated statewide in order to fight for the future of Ohio public libraries:
06/22/09 Governor's Budget Proposal cuts the PLF 50%. Act Now
Many of the Ohio's 251 public libraries could close or face significant reductions in operations as a result of the Governor's latest proposal to balance the state's 2010-2011 biennium budget.
Public libraries in Ohio are funded primarily through the Public Library Fund (PLF), which receives 2.2% of the state's tax revenue. Since 2001, public library funded has been on the decline. As a result of the current downturn in the economy and decreasing state tax revenues, public libraries are currently experiencing a drop in funding from the Public Library Fund (PLF) estimated at 20% or more as compared to 2008. At a news conference on Friday, June 19, the Governor proposed an additional cut in the PLF of $112.5 million in fiscal year 2010 and $114.8 million in 2011 as part of his "framework" to fill the $3.2 billion gap in the budget that must be balanced by 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.
With some 70% of the state's 251 public libraries relying solely on the PLF to fund their operations, the reduction in funding will mean that many will close or drastically close branches and cut 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 to access information on employment opportunities, children and teens are beginning summer reading programs, and people of all ages are turning to the library for information and entertainment.
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 PLF, even those libraries will face decisions regarding substantial reductions in hours of operation, materials, and staffing.
During the next nine days, the Ohio General Assembly will decide whether or not to accept the Governor's proposal. We cannot allow that to happen, we cannot wait. ALL public libraries throughout the state should immediately notify their patrons, by email if possible, of the Governor's proposed library funding cuts and the devastating effects that will result. Patrons should be urged to contact their state legislators and the Governor's office by phone or email to voice their strong opposition. We have no time for letters. Library boards of trustees should meet as soon as possible to evaluate the impact of the proposed funding reduction and formulate plans to reduce services or shut down their libraries. Make sure your patrons know immediately the actions you might have to take. This is a drastic measure proposed by the Governor and it will require a dramatic and immediate response from the libraries and our patrons....
If in Ohio, PLEASE call, e-mail, or write you state Representative, Senator and the Governor THIS WEEK. These cuts will take effect JULY 1ST. The Governor's phone # is 614-466-3555.