Apparently Ohio is the latest state whose libraries are visibly (and painfully) suffering under the current economic crisis. The Ohio Library Council reports that the Governor has proposed slashing over $200 million in state funding for public libraries, amounting to almost half of the state’s financial support for libraries. According to the Council:
The proposal amounts to a 30% cut in funding for Ohio’s public libraries. This cut is in addition to the 20% reduction in funding that libraries are already facing, because their funding comes from 2.22% of the state’s declining General Revenue Fund. Libraries could close or face significant reductions in operations as a result of the Governor’s proposal. With some 70% of the state’s 251 public libraries relying solely on state funding to fund their operations, the reduction in funding will mean that many will close branches or drastically reduce hours and services.
All things considered, it’s scary.
There’s also a feeling of deja vu with this situation, but that doesn’t make it any easier to stomach. As the economy continues to slump along (even if there are signs of improvement), state and local budgets will continue to tighten. The sad irony is what so many other people have been pointing out all along: people continue to turn to public libraries as places where they can have free books, free storytimes, free access to the Internet for conducting job searches — and yet time and again, public librare are among the first public services to really feel the hurt.
What’s awesome, though, is how the Columbus Metropolitan Library is responding. The entrance of their website has been completely revamped, featuring details on the crisis and its possible ramifications, as well as direct links to contact elected officials, so that concerned citizens can make their voices heard.
I’m hoping that enough people will rally and that the Ohio libraries’ funding will be saved. If the Florida Library Association can make it happen in Florida, [PDF], maybe Ohio can, too.
As an information professional, I’m already concerned.
But I also know too many people I know in Ohio — people that I consider friends — for me to not care.
Thanks for the publicity, Chris! It’s great to know Ohio has supporters in Georgia!
Joy, there’s no need to thank me — it’s the least I can do from way, way down here in Georgia. The impact would not be limited to library-land, and it certainly wouldn’t be limited to Ohio either.
As a double-employee of libraries, I thank you so much for writing this post. Why the Governor seems so intent on ruining one of the best things Ohio has going for it now is beyond me.