Ohio’s libraries urgently need your help. Please contact your state representative today and tell them not to cut library funding.
Here's what you need to know: The Ohio House of Representatives is working on the state budget for the next two years. The House Finance Committee accepted an amendment yesterday that eliminates the Public Library Fund and replaces it with a line-item appropriation, representing a $100 million cut to library funding compared to Governor DeWine’s budget.
“Ohio’s public libraries already experienced a $27 million loss in state funding in Calendar Year (CY) 2024 as compared to CY 2023. This resulted in libraries being funded at the same level they were 25 years ago," said Michelle Francis, executive director of the Ohio Library Council.
How does this impact you? State funding currently accounts for 30% of the Westerville Public Library's revenue. This funding supports events and services to our community, including:
- Storytimes
- Homework help
- Computer labs
- Home & school deliveries
- Meeting rooms & study spaces
- Business & entrepreneur support
For every $1.00 spent by the Westerville Public Library, the total economic benefit provided to our community is $3.61.
The Westerville Public Library continues to be a thriving community hub. 1,069 people walk through the doors every day. 5,756 items are borrowed every day. 999 people took advantage of computer and wi-fi access each day. 55% more people attended library-hosted events in 2024.
But the heart of the library isn't captured in numbers. It's captured in the faces of parents watching their babies build confidence and independence each week at storytime. It's captured in the job seekers overcoming their fear of technology by taking computer classes at the library. It's captured in the entrepreneurs building successful businesses with the help of equipment in the Innovation Lab. It's captured in the people who use the services and tools available at the library to improve their daily lives.
How can you help? Contact your state representative and Speaker Matt Huffman by April 9.
You can find your state representative’s phone number and email by searching your home address here. Speaker Huffman can be reached at rep78@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 466-6344.
- Tell them to restore the Public Library Fund to the amount designated in the Governor’s proposed budget.
- Share how important the library is to you and your family.
- Explain how a cut to libraries would impact you and your neighbors.
As patron Jennifer V recently shared, "If only the whole world were a library, we would be in such good shape.”
Thank you for acting today to help restore funding for your library and libraries across the state.
With gratitude,
Erin Francoeur
Executive Director, Westerville Public Library