Ohio Libraries May See 30 Percent Cuts in Funding

Ohio libraries received startling news Friday, June 19. Governor Ted Strickland proposed a thirty percent cut in funding to Ohio libraries, in addition to the twenty percent cut already enforced for this year. Why? The downturn economy is to blame. There are not enough funds, and libraries are considered expendable.

So, the budget is set to pass on July 1, 2009. Seventy percent of the state's libraries will be directly affected.

The libraries are rallying a call to action, requesting citizens contact their representatives to curtail this plan.

A few communities have local levies to support them. But that is not the case with most of the library systems in the state.

What are libraries proposing if the budget is approved?

The Jefferson County public library system, which relies completely on state funding, will close five branches and sustain thirty-five layoffs. Hours will be shortened, and the bookmobile service will be eliminated.

Many branches will have shorter hours.

Extra services will be cut.

Materials purchases may have to be curtailed or reduced, including new books, movies, and other media.

In some areas where the branch must be closed, the library staff is proposing more bookmobile stops.

Buildings which are owned may remain open, but those which are leased may be shut down.

Some counties are polling their employees for solutions and proposing emergency staff meetings.

And some will attempt to absorb the cuts without affecting the services.

Some plan to reinstate branches, services and hours as funds become available.

The budget will last for two years, with additional cuts possible next year.

So the plans will have to last into the future.

All this at a time when more people need library services. The loss of income statewide is forcing citizens to use the free services of the libraries, such as movies, music, and other forms of entertainment previously purchased or rented, as well as free use of the internet, which is helpful for the unemployed in their job searches.

If you would like more information on this subject, visit the following sites:

The office of the Governor, State of Ohio:
http://governor.ohio.gov/

State Library of Ohio:
http://www.library.ohio.gov/toughtimes

Sources and other news articles:

http://www.wtap.com/home/headlines/48801127.html

http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2009/06/23/news/mj1230150.txt

http://www.steubenville.lib.oh.us/savelibrary.asp

http://www.ymc.lib.oh.us/budget.cfm

http://www.library.ohio.gov/

http://statelibraryofohio.worldcat.org/oclc/212058130&referer=brief_results