The Ohio House of Representatives’ biennium budget proposal eliminates the Public Library Fund, a mechanism that has funded 251 public library systems for four decades.
Ohio House Members plan to replace the Public Library Fund with a lump dollar amount for all Ohio libraries, based on a per capita formula. The new formula will result in cuts to libraries across the state, including Dayton Metro Library.
The Public Library Fund has remained flat for 25 years and House Members have put forward a dollar amount that does not account for a quarter of a century of inflation.
Dayton Metro Library stands to lose millions in funding, which will result in:
- Decreased operating hours across branches
- Complete closure of low-traffic branches serving small communities
- Elimination of key programs, including Homework Help and Kindergarten Club
- Elimination of critical employment services, such as access to computers and job search resources
- Reduction of Library collections, including popular e-books
At Dayton Metro Library, the Public Library Fund makes 50% of all DML operations. The remaining 50% is from local property taxes passed by voters like you!
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.
Thank you for your continued support.
For more information on the Public Library Fund, please visit the Ohio Library Council website at www.olc.org.
To find your Ohio State House Representative, please visit https://ohiohouse.gov/