Governor Ted Strickland’s plan to fill the $3.2 billion budget gap for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 includes slashing $227.3 million in state funding to public libraries. This cut is in addition to the 20 percent reduction in funding that libraries are already facing because their funding comes from 2.22 percent of the state’s declining General Revenue Fund. This amounts to an almost 50 percent cut in state funding for Ohio’s public libraries.

Approximately 70 percent of the state’s 251 public libraries rely solely on state funding. This drastic reduction in funding will mean that many libraries will close.

The Governor’s proposed funding cuts come at a time when Ohio’s public libraries are experiencing unprecedented increases in demands for services, including free high speed Internet access and help with employment searches. Libraries are a lifeline during these difficult economic times.

Even public libraries that have local property tax levies to supplement state funding will face decisions regarding substantial reductions in hours of operation, materials, and staffing.

The Governor’s recommended cut to public library funding far exceeds the state’s drop in revenue. According to Ohio Library Council analysis, if approved, the Governor’s proposed budget cut would reduce library funding by at least 47 percent in fiscal 2010 and 45 percent in fiscal year 2011 as compared to fiscal year 2008 distributions. During the same 2010-2011 budget years, the state projects the General Revenue Fund will fall 18 and 16 percent, respectively.

The Ohio Legislature must decide whether to include the Governor’s proposal about library funding in the budget that they will vote on within the next few days. I urge you to help get the word out about this critical issue. Now is the time for all concerned citizens to contact Governor Strickland and our State Senators and Representatives to remind them just how much Ohio's public libraries mean to the citizens in our great state.

Thank you,
Julianne Bedel
Director, Barberton Public Library

www.saveohiolibraries.com

Posted by: Julianne Bedel (Akron) on June 22, 2009 11:39PM