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

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) 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. 

“It is an absolute atrocity what the majority caucus did to the library funding in the state budget. Our libraries are the lifeblood of our communities in so many different ways and it makes me unbelievably sad to think anyone could not value them. But that is clearly the message the Republican majority has sent with their version of this budget when they decided to cut statewide funding by $100 million. I will continue to fight for our libraries throughout the budget process,” said Rep. McNally. “The Youngstown and Mahoning County Public Library system has fourteen locations. They provide books and programming for all ages, but they also provide a space for The Mahoning Valley Mobile Market which gives people the opportunity to purchase fresh produce; they help people find jobs and offer resume assistance; and they have blood pressure hubs to help people maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am so proud of all the work that they do and thankful for their commitment to their local communities. I see it and I hope other representatives recognize the importance of public libraries in their communities.”

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