Save Our Libraries

Today I wrote to my State legislators, Kris Jordan (H-2) and Bill Harris (S-19) regarding the proposed cuts to the Ohio Public Library Fund from which 70% of the libaries receive funding. Below is MY letter to these legisators:

I strongly urge you to rethink the proposed cuts offered by the Governor’s to Ohio’s public libraries. These cuts to the Public Library Fund are deep into the current funding levels and not merely cuts to budgeted increases. Libraries have already received a 20% cut in funding; a 50% cut will have drastic consequences to our libraries and our communities: branches will close and services will be cut.

In every community throughout the state Ohioans are turning to their public library for free high speed Internet access, help with employment searches, computer access to State services like OBES and resume writing, computer training, adult education services, and basic literacy skills.

Remember too, that Ohio’s public libraries offer critical services to EVERYONE in our State. The public libraries are an inexpensive tool to extend the public education...the research that many public and parochial school students conduct to complete their assignments is done in public libraries. In addition, many schools have cut their own library services. Who else can fill this gap in service? Public libraries play an integral role in education, something Governor Strickland himself acknowledges is key to the state’s economic recovery.

I cannot fault the Governor in trying to fund his educational reform initiative and I am aware that the Ohio Education Association and local teacher's unions are weighing in to save the INCREASES to educational spending that the Governor's plan includes. I know funding changes must be weighed and eventually made that will solve the educational funding crisis. However, I cannot support these funding increases when current funding levels to libraries, state parks, the Ohio Historical Society and charter schools are going to be cut. This seems to me a level of greed by the educational establishment that is unprecedented.

Libraries are among our most democratic of institutions. They help bridge the digital divide and provide access to the kinds of services people need to be ready for work in the 21st Century.
I understand that these are difficult times, and tough decisions must be made, but the proposed reductions to the Public Library Fund are extreme. Approximately 70% of our state’s libraries are funded solely through the PLF and cutting this fund will result in closures, layoffs, and reduced hours in libraries throughout Ohio. I urge you to oppose the $227 million in proposed cuts and find other ways to balance our budget. Ohio needs great libraries; now, more than ever!

Please join me in opposing these cuts.  I would rather save current funding levels for many programs rather than increasing funding to primary and secondary education.