Call for Action

Call for Action!

Further Library funding cuts proposed.

The Governor’s proposed state budget is considering a 50% cut to the Public Library Fund

a $6 million FURTHER cut to our Library funding—our primary funding source—

resulting in a 42% funding slash since 2000!

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ACT NOW! Time is of the essence. Let your legislators know that these cuts will do unacceptable damage to our communities. We cannot afford to lose half of our Libraries at a time when people need them most.

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Because Library funding is a percentage of the state’s general revenue fund, as the economy has faltered, the Library’s funding has already been reduced 25% since 2000.

Cuts already made since 2000 because of reduced funding:

· More than 100 Library positions have been eliminated

· Hours have been cut by 241 per week

· Services have been reduced

· Capital projects have been cancelled and capital renovation postponed

If this proposed funding cut is enacted, consequences would be DEVASTATING regardless if a 1 mill levy on the November 3^rd ballot is passed. This is what you would see in September 2009:

· 250 additional Library jobs will be lost

· 20 branch libraries will be PERMANENTLY closed

· Main Library hours will be dramatically cut

· Computer access will be reduced by more than 30%

· Fewer new books, CDs, DVDs and other materials will be available

· Diminished quality of service and less qualified staff to help

What can you do to ensure that Library services will be there when you need them?

Contact your legislators NOW to voice your strong opposition to further cutting Library funding!!!

- The Governor's proposed funding cuts come at a time when Ohio's public libraries are experiencing unprecedented increases in demands for services. In every community throughout the state, Ohioans are turning to their public library for free high speed Internet to access information on employment opportunities, children and teens are beginning summer reading programs, and people of all ages are turning to the library for information and entertainment.

- Ohio's public libraries offer CRITICAL services to those looking for jobs and operating small businesses. Public libraries are an integral part of education, which Governor Strickland says is critical to the state's economic recovery. But it is unlikely that many of Ohio's public library systems, especially those without local levies, can remain open with these proposed cuts.

During the next nine days, the Ohio General Assembly will decide whether or not to accept the Governor's proposal. We cannot allow that to happen, we cannot wait. Email or phone the Governor and our state legislators to voice your strong opposition to further cutting Library funding by moving money out of the general revenue fund. There is no time for letters. This is a drastic measure proposed by the Governor and it will require a dramatic and immediate response from library supporters. Contact information for our legislators is below and at www.CincinnatiLibrary.org/features/statelegislators.html