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 $100.8 million cut to library funding compared to Governor DeWine’s budget. This proposed budget would eliminate the Public Library Fund (PLF), which is a mechanism that has funded 251 public library systems in Ohio for four decades.
This unprecedented elimination of the PLF will result in cuts to libraries across the state at a time when libraries have already seen a $27 million shortfall in state funding in 2024. Ohio libraries are currently running under funds that have no adjustments for inflation. While our services and communities have evolved and expanded, our funding has remained on the same level as the year 2000.
Eliminating the Public Library Fund 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.
All Locations:
Contact Matt Huffman | Ohio House of Representatives
Willard, Greenwich and North Fairfield (District 54):
Contact Kellie Deeter | Ohio House of Representatives
Wakeman (District 89):