Ohio Update: Proposed Library Cuts on Hold for Another Week

Governor's proposal to halve library support generates huge response

Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 7/7/2009

• $3.2 billion budget gap
• Libraries' cut significant
• One more week to debate budget

[Updated July 7] With budget talks in Ohio again stalemated, the state legislature has approved and Governor Ted Strickland has signed another interim budget extension, lasting through July 14.

[Updated June 29] As budget talks go down to the wire in Ohio, with continuing disagreements about Strickland's lottery plan and cuts in support for libraries (more than $200 million) and other programs, the state Senate has approved an interim budget that would extend the current budget year one week, through July 7. 

The Ohio Library Council (OLC) reported that, while the measure will fund state programs at 70% of the current level, library funding will remain unchanged. Nevertheless, the OLC said, "Depending on the progress of the budget negotiations, libraries may need to re-energize their efforts to mobilize patrons." 

Also, ALA President Jim Rettig commented last week: “We understand that in a recession difficult choices must be made, but libraries are part of the solution when a community is struggling economically, and are a necessity in efforts to get Americans back on their feet."

[Updated June 25] The Ohio Library Council (OLC) reports: "The Save Ohio Libraries campaign has been a tremendous success as evidenced by the number of calls and e-mails sent to the Governor's office and the legislature, the media coverage of the support for public libraries, and the online activity of public library supporters.” 

In fact, the OLC now suggests that libraries dial back on the intensity of their messages that ask patrons to contact the Governor and the legislature and consider amending local messages to thank patrons for their incredible support. The budget bill will be discussed over the weekend, with a vote expected Monday, June 29.

[Updated June 23] Search Twitter and note that several people have changed their profile icons (left). Also see the blog The Library is Now Closed for local updates. Also see Francine Fialkoff's editorial, Dear Governor Strickland.]

[June 19] Trying to close a $3.2 billion gap by June 30, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today proposed “resi[ing] state government in line with the shrinking economy,” prioritizing “extremely limited resources toward critical health and safety service,” and—though not saying so in his speech—severely cutting library aid. 

Libraries in Ohio uniquely rely on state aid, rather than predominantly on local support. They are funded through 2.22% of the state’s total general tax revenue.

Just before Strickland’s press conference, his budget director told Lynda Murray of the Ohio Library Council (OLC) that the proposal would cut the Public Library Fund by $227.3 million—nearly 50 percent—over the biennium budget. “I do not believe that many of our library systems, especially those without local levys, can remain open with those cuts,” commented Murray, in a message circulated on the American Library Association Council electronic mailing list.

(At right, a graphic from the home page of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.)

Significant hit
The $3.2 billion budget deficit would be closed by a combination of spending cuts and new efforts to raise revenues. More than 29 percent of the budget gap would be closed by revenue from new video lottery terminals. The library cuts would close 7.1 percent of the total budget gap.  

Murray noted that the Conference Committee of the General Assembly has eleven days to complete their work on the budget, and urged librarians to act now to save libraries. “We cannot close Ohio's libraries. Public libraries offer CRITICAL services to those looking for jobs and operating small businesses,” wrote Murray, the OLC's director of government and legal services. “Public libraries are critical to education, which Governor Strickland says is critical to our recovery.” 

Prepare for closure?
Murray also suggested that library boards in communities without local levies should consider their options, “which may include ‘mothballing’ the library for six months.” She concluded, “We are disappointed and surprised by Governor Strickland's actions today. Every library MUST stand up.”