Ohio's Public Libraries at Risk: Budget Proposal Slashes Funding

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) today called Ohioans to action in support of Ohio’s public library systems which face a more than $100M cut in funding in the proposed Ohio House operating budget. 

“Public libraries are the backbone of strong communities. They provide critical resources to everyone all the way from our seniors to our youngest children. From fostering a love of reading and learning through toddler storytime, to helping new immigrants learn English, to teaching seniors how to use technology and navigate the resources available to them, the libraries across Ohio provide priceless services. Slashing their funding is a direct attack on every single Ohioan, and it will unfortunately disproportionately affect the most vulnerable areas of our state. I call upon my constituents to join me in fighting to restore library funding to its original levels.,” said Rep. Somani.

Libraries are a critical resource for Ohioans looking for work, getting training and education in rural areas, using reliable internet access, and gathering for community events and engagement. House Republicans rejected Governor Mike DeWine’s executive proposal that would have increased the Public Library Fund from 1.7% to 1.75% of the tax revenue collected in the state’s General Revenue Fund. Instead, the current proposal of the budget establishes a new method of funding public libraries through a direct GRF appropriation which will hurt libraries’ ability to predictably forecast revenue and long-term financial sustainability.

According to the Ohio Library Council:

• Ohio's public libraries are extremely popular, with over 7.4 million cardholders and one of the highest library usage rates in the nation. 
   
• Public libraries deliver a significant return on investment, generating $5 in economic value to Ohioans for every $1 spent. 
   
• Ohioans visited their local libraries more than 44.6 million times in 2023. That is the equivalent of 434 sold-out Buckeye football games at Ohio Stadium. 

To help protect Ohio’s cherished public library systems contact the offices of Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and House Finance Chair Brian Stewart and request they restore the proper funding proposed by Governor Mike DeWine.  

Speaker Huffman- office: (614) 466-6344, email: Rep78@ohiohouse.gov

Chair Stewart- office: (614) 466-1464, email: Rep12@ohiohouse.gov