On Tuesday, April 1, the Ohio House of Representatives introduced their proposal for the state’s 2025–27 budget. This proposal includes major changes to how Ohio libraries are funded, structured, and managed, which could hurt libraries both now and in the future.
First, the proposed budget eliminates the Public Library Fund (PLF). The PLF has been a reliable source of funding for Ohio libraries, established in state law, for almost 100 years. Following a major cut in 2009 the fund has not kept up with inflation and is now at about the same amount it was 25 years ago. This has created ongoing challenges for libraries as the cost of services has gone up. Under the new proposal, instead of receiving money from the PLF, libraries will get funding through a line item in the state budget. This means there’s no guarantee of future funding after this budget cycle ends. The money being promised for libraries is being called an “increase,” but it’s really just a continuation of the same flat funding libraries have had for the past two decades. In fact, this new proposal gives libraries $100.8 million less over the next two years than what the governor had originally planned.
The budget also includes changes to how library boards are set up and even tells libraries where they can place certain materials. This is not only unrelated to the budget but shows a misunderstanding of how libraries work. Libraries have a responsibility to offer materials that interest all members of our communities, regardless of the views of any one person or group. We organize these materials to make them easy for our patrons to find, then allow them to choose what is appropriate for themselves and their families. This new language represents an unnecessary interference from the state, limiting individuals’ and families’ ability to choose what they read, and taking away local communities’ power to decide how their libraries are run.
Ohio libraries are strong because of the funding and structures that have been in place for many years. Even with flat funding over the last two decades, libraries have continued to support Ohio’s economy. Here in Athens County, every dollar spent on libraries brings back more than $3 to the local economy. Our libraries offer engaging storytimes and educational programs for children and their families, connection to technology and resources that are hard to come by in our region, and information and assistance to our entire community on difficult topics and challenging life situations –– and those are just highlights from the past few weeks. This is work that is making a difference in the lives of all our citizens every single day.
I encourage everyone in Athens County to contact their state representatives and let them know how much their library means to them. Ask the legislature to restore the Public Library Fund to the Governor’s proposed 1.75% of general revenue, and let libraries continue serving their communities without interference.
Nick Tepe
Director, Athens County Public Libraries
