Latest news with #OhioLibraryCouncil
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio libraries win big Tuesday
Every single library levy on Tuesday's ballot passed in Ohio, and none of them were close. The victories come as Republican officials at the state and federal level look at cutting library funding. There were 13 levies on the ballot — eight renewals, two replacements, two new ones and a bond. The least successful of those — for the Delaware County District Library and the Troy-Miami County Public Library — passed with 56% of the vote. The most successful, for the Gnadenhutten Public Library, received a whopping 85% of the vote. On average, voters agreed to pay local taxes to support their libraries by a 19-point margin. 'These results reflect the deep connection communities have with their libraries,' Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council, said in a written statement. 'They're a testament to the trust voters place in libraries, not only as centers for learning and literacy, but also as hubs for workforce development and digital access.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The results come as the budget proposed by the Republican-controlled Ohio House would spend almost $91 million less on public libraries than the draft proposed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine. In addition, the House budget would change library funding from a percentage of the state's general-revenue fund to a fixed line item. The library council has said that would increase the possibility that at some point it could be eliminated altogether. At the federal level, the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency has proposed eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That grant-making agency has a budget of $290 million a year. Earlier this month, a federal judge temporarily stopped an executive order by President Donald Trump to eliminate the institute after 21 state attorneys general sued to stop the order. The institute provides funding for the State Library of Ohio, which has a brick-and-mortar location in Columbus. It supports summer learning programs, reading programs for the blind and deaf, and the Ohio Digital Library, which helps local libraries provide audio and e-books. Polling shows that public libraries are highly popular with a huge, bipartisan swath of Americans. A 2022 poll was conducted by Hart Research Associates and North Star Opinion Research on behalf of the American Library Association. It found that 89% of respondents agreed that 'local public libraries play an important role in communities across the country including their own.' In addition, 75% of Democrats, 70% of Republicans and 56% of independents said they oppose the removal of books from public libraries. 'Public support is loud and clear,' said Francis of the Ohio Library Council. 'We hope state leaders recognize how much their constituents rely on library services.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Are Ohio lawmakers cutting library funding?: What we know now
Apr. 8—The Ohio House of Representatives this week is hashing out a massive two-year state budget. One proposal from House GOP leaders getting a lot of attention deals with Ohio's libraries. Libraries across the state and prominent Democrats — such as candidate for governor Amy Acton — are railing against a massive "cut" to statewide library funding and urging voters to contact their representatives ahead of voting this week. Is the state cutting library funding? Not exactly. The plan unveiled by Ohio House Republicans would eliminate the Ohio Library Fund, replacing it with line-item amounts appropriated for each year. They propose allocating $485 million in library funds for 2026 — a decrease from last year's library fund of $489.3 million — and then $495 million for 2027. So funding would be essentially flat over the next two years. Plus other line-items in the budget would result in an overall increase in state library related spending from current levels. So where is talk of a cut coming from? For years, the Ohio Public Library Fund has received 1.7% of Ohio's general revenue fund, which is powered by sales and personal income taxes and other revenue sources. According to the Ohio Library Council, an organization that advocates for public libraries, roughly 51% of the total funding for Ohio's public libraries comes from the state through the Public Library Fund. If the current funding formula were unchanged, the Ohio Office of Budget and Management projects that the PLF could contain up to $530 million under the current formula by the end of 2025. The Ohio House's budget proposal differs from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's budget pitch, which would have increased the PLF's slice of the general revenue fund by half a percent. This would generate $531.7 million in 2026 and $549.1 million in 2027. An Ohio Library Council analysis estimated that the House's version of the budget would reduce state funding for Ohio's public libraries by more than $100 million over the next two years — compared to the governor's proposal to expand the fund, not compared to current funding. What do libraries say? Dayton Metro Library officials said they're anticipating a $3 million difference, which could result in decreased operating hours, programming, library collections and even the closure of some lower-traffic branches. "Ohio's public libraries have had a partnership with the state to deliver services at the local level for almost 100 years and that funding is now at risk," Michelle Francis, executive director of the Ohio Library Council, in a press release. "Public libraries serve all ages, and funding cuts of this magnitude could jeopardize the vital services that our communities rely on." Similarly, the Clark County Public Library shared a plea with its patrons on social media Thursday evening, saying the Ohio House's proposal could impact services like children's programs, hotspot loans and more. The library called on community members to contract their state representatives to discuss library funding. "We appreciate the community we serve and your support for the library!" the social media post said. What do lawmakers say? In the Republican-dominated Ohio House, moving public library funding away from a percentage model has been framed as a way to be more flexible in determining how much public libraries actually need from the state every two years. "Many moons ago, somebody decided that the public library fund would be a certain percentage of the general revenue fund. The issue with that is, it doesn't necessarily always reflect all of the other budgetary concerns that are happening," House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, told reporters last week. "If you get 1.7%, you don't have to come in and say, 'Hey, here's why we need all this extra money.'" Huffman denied that the proposed change had anything to do with critiques of local libraries, like from that of Rep. Rodney Creech, R-West Alexandria, who publicly criticized the New Lebanon branch of the Dayton Metro Library for carrying tampons in the men's restroom. With the switch, Ohio House Finance Chair Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, argued that the state should quit "autopilot" spending, where possible. "I think every two years we need to do our job and say, 'What is the actual amount of money that we believe should be spent here?' and make that decision," Stewart said. House Democrats, meanwhile, oppose the switch. Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, said she has "huge concerns." "Listen, we're talking about a 100-year precedent that we've used to fund our public library system here in the state of Ohio — which, by the way, is one of the top public library systems in the country because they have reliable, predictable funding," Russo said.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio libraries decry funding proposal, threaten branch closures if state funding increase axed
Apr. 4—Dayton Metro Library was among several local libraries sending out urgent messages to patrons this week following a state budget proposal to limit library spending. The plan unveiled by Ohio House Republicans would eliminate the Ohio Library Fund, replacing it with line-item amounts appropriated for each year. The effect is that state library funding would stay relatively flat instead of increasing roughly $100 million over two years as it would in Gov. Mike DeWine's budget proposal. Dayton Metro Library officials said they're anticipating a $3 million difference, which could result in decreased operating hours, programming, library collections and even the closure of some lower-traffic branches. Public Library Fund For years, the Ohio Public Library Fund has received 1.7% of Ohio's general revenue fund, which is powered by sales and personal income taxes and other revenue sources. According to the Ohio Library Council, an organization that advocates for public libraries, roughly 51% of the total funding for Ohio's public libraries comes from the state through the Public Library Fund. The Ohio House proposes nixing the fund and allocating $485 million in library funds for 2026 — a decrease from last year's library fund of $489.3 million — and then $495 million for 2027. If the current funding formula were unchanged, the Ohio Office of Budget and Management projects that the PLF could contain up to $530 million under the current formula by the end of 2025. The Ohio Library Council in a press release said libraries statewide last year saw a $27 million decrease in state funding compared to 2023, which had a PLF of roughly $510 million. The Ohio House's budget proposal differs from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's budget pitch, which would have increased the PLF's slice of the general revenue fund by half a percent. This would generate $531.7 million in 2026 and $549.1 million in 2027. An Ohio Library Council analysis estimated that the House's version of the budget would reduce state funding for Ohio's public libraries by more than $100 million over the next two years — compared to the governor's proposal to expand the fund, not compared to current funding. "Ohio's public libraries have had a partnership with the state to deliver services at the local level for almost 100 years and that funding is now at risk," Michelle Francis, executive director of the Ohio Library Council, in a press release. "Public libraries serve all ages, and funding cuts of this magnitude could jeopardize the vital services that our communities rely on." Library funding Library leaders and advocates say the changes in funding could impact services. "At Dayton Metro Library, the Public Library Fund comprises nearly 50% of all DML operations. The remaining 50% is from local property taxes passed by voters like you!" the message states. "The Dayton Metro Library does not want to make these cuts but without the continued support of the State of Ohio we are left with no choice." Dayton Metro Library external relations and development director Debi Chess said the proposed shift in funding Ohio's libraries is "shocking" and will be "profoundly felt." Chess said the PLF guaranteed funding for libraries annually. Library funding existing as a line-item in the state's general fund concerns her. "The Public Library Fund, of course, fluctuates," she said. "But to propose to completely eliminate it is a whole other level. This makes library funding even more vulnerable." Roughly 78% of the PLF funds allocated to Montgomery County ($25.3 million) is set aside for Dayton Metro Library for the 2025 fiscal year. Dayton's library also recently passed a one-mill, five-year levy that will generate $10.5 million per year. Similarly, the Clark County Public Library shared a plea with its patrons on social media Thursday evening, saying the Ohio House's proposal could impact services like children's programs, hotspot loans and more. The library called on community members to contract their state representatives to discuss library funding. "We appreciate the community we serve and your support for the library!" the social media post said. A new model? In the Republican-dominated Ohio House, moving public library funding away from a percentage model has been framed as a way to be more flexible in determining how much public libraries actually need from the state every two years. "Many moons ago, somebody decided that the public library fund would be a certain percentage of the general revenue fund. The issue with that is, it doesn't necessarily always reflect all of the other budgetary concerns that are happening," House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, told reporters last week. "If you get 1.7%, you don't have to come in and say, 'Hey, here's why we need all this extra money.'" Huffman denied that the proposed change had anything to do with critiques of local libraries, like from that of Rep. Rodney Creech, R-West Alexandria, who publicly criticized the New Lebanon branch of the Dayton Metro Library for carrying tampons in the men's restroom. With the switch, Ohio House Finance Chair Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, argued that the state should quit "autopilot" spending, where possible. "I think every two years we need to do our job and say, 'What is the actual amount of money that we believe should be spent here?' and make that decision," Stewart said. House Democrats, meanwhile, oppose the switch. Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, said she has "huge concerns." "Listen, we're talking about a 100-year precedent that we've used to fund our public library system here in the state of Ohio — which, by the way, is one of the top public library systems in the country because they have reliable, predictable funding," Russo said. The Ohio Senate has not produced its own budget draft, which would need to be merged with the House draft before a final draft is sent to DeWine for his approval.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio House budget draft slashes library funding, risking vital services, library advocates say
President Donald Trump signed an executive order March 14, 2025, imposing dramatic cuts on seven federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services. () The main source of state funding for Ohio's public libraries was eliminated in the House draft of the state operating budget for the next two years. Library advocates say the changes are not in the best interest of Ohioans and could cut services from an area that is still reeling from $27 million in cuts to state funding last year. The cuts from 2024 put them at the same funding level as they received 25 years ago, despite vastly different technology needs, social service roles, and demand for services. The Ohio House's budget draft rejects Gov. 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 House version of the budget 'establishes a new method of funding public libraries through a direct GRF appropriation,' according to documents. Distribution of funds would move from the Ohio Department of Taxation to the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, where a new funding formula would send the funding to counties 'in proportion to each county's population,' the budget draft states. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An analysis of the changes in the House proposal by the Ohio Library Council shows state funding would drop by more than $100 million over the biennium compared to what DeWine proposed. Under the House version, public libraries in 39 counties would see funding cuts via the new distribution formula as soon as the budget is enacted, which is set to happen on July 1. 'Ohio's public libraries have had a partnership with the state to deliver services at the local level for almost 100 years and that funding is now at risk,' said Michelle Francis, executive director of the Ohio Library Council, in a statement on the House proposal. 'Public libraries serve all ages, and funding cuts of this magnitude could jeopardize the vital services that our communities rely on.' Libraries have not only been sources of reading materials and literacy programs, but over the years have evolved into resources tailored to their areas, with food assistance programs, tax preparation, job training, and employment help. The materials that libraries house have changed as well, with physical materials joined by digital products and broadband access. A gradual reduction in the Public Library Fund over the decades has created struggles for public libraries, and the need to tap residents for help in the form of property tax levies. Ohio public libraries, State Library of Ohio, brace for funding uncertainty, hope for budget relief While potentially cutting public library funding even more, the House version of the budget also asks them to create a new system of shielding certain materials provided by the libraries. The new budget proposal inserted a provision not included in DeWine's executive budget, one that would require public libraries to place 'material related to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression' in a part of the library that 'is not primarily open to the view of minors.' LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Equality Ohio released a statement strongly opposing the budget proposal as a whole, calling it 'the most reckless bill to come out of the Ohio legislature,' including the provision on public library materials. 'Let's be clear: No public funds should be weaponized to dismantle our rights or erase our existence,' said Dwayne Steward, executive director of Equality Ohio in a statement. 'This is censorship. This is harm. And we must resist – together, for a future where every young person can see themselves and their families reflected in their libraries, their schools and their communities.' Libraries are now also fighting battles on the federal level, where the Institute for Museum and Library Services was threatened with major cuts, and where staff at the agency have been placed on administrative leave as the Trump administration attempts funding cuts all over the federal government. This funding impacts the State Library of Ohio, which conserves documents connected to the founding and development of Ohio, and works with public libraries in the state on resource-sharing agreements. An email sent to the State Library of Ohio from the institute on March 31 notified the agency about the administrative leave, also noting that the employees would not be able to respond to emails or provide any information about 'future timelines related to this action.' The Ohio Senate has yet to produce its draft, with which the House draft will need to be merged before a final draft is sent to DeWine for his signature. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
