Save the books in your library from being restricted. A provision in the state budget bill (HB 96, ORC Section 3375.47) will require libraries to "place material related to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in a portion of the public library that is not primarily open to the view of persons under the age of eighteen." (source)
Love your library? Respectfully ask Governor DeWine today to veto the provision restricting library materials in HB 96. Tell him:
- The bill limits your freedom to choose what’s right for your family.
- The bill language is overly broad, vague and unworkable.
- Public libraries already have policies in place to address this issue.
- Compliance would take away staff time and funding from valuable library services and necessary building maintenance.
“This provision has no financial impact on the state’s balance sheet, but it would force local libraries to spend millions of dollars and years of staff time complying with an unfunded, unconstitutional mandate,” said Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council. “This is a dangerous overreach that undermines intellectual freedom and punishes the very institutions that provide safe and open spaces for Ohioans of all ages.” (Read the full press release here.)
Contact Governor DeWine before June 30:
- Main Line: (614) 466-3555
- Governor’s Hotline: (614) 644-4357
- https://governor.ohio.gov/contact
Thank you for helping to support your library.
With gratitude,
Erin Francoeur
Executive Director, Westerville Public Library