If the state budget currently being debated in the legislature is passed it would mean an additional annual loss of $2.5 million to the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The cuts would be even more devastating if the legislature passes the Governor’s tax reform plan. These funding slashes threaten the Library’s ability to provide the hours, books and materials, and the services the community needs.
VOICE YOUR OPINION!
Act now! The Ohio House of Representatives version of the budget is now in the Senate and Financial Institutions Committee. In addition to further reducing library funding, this budget would allow libraries to charge for any services except the loan of books including the use of the Internet. Let your legislators know that these cuts and charges will do unacceptable damage to our communities. Contact legislators in order of their preference: email, telephone, letter.
What can you do to ensure that Library Services will be there when you need them?
Write to your state legislators to urge them to preserve library funding!
Approximately 95% of the Library’s funding comes from the Library and Local Government Support fund, which is a percent of the State of Ohio personal income tax collection.
Public libraries are vital. They contribute to the state’s economic strength. Job hunters, students, schools, small businesses and senior citizens depend on library services. Libraries add to the quality of life of all citizens and build strong families and communities. Additional cuts in funding for libraries will reduce Ohio’s competitive edge.
At a time when state leaders are struggling to find a way to equitably educate our children, it is counterproductive to take away support from one of the most important learning centers in the community—Ohio public libraries.
Inadequate Library funding will have a ripple effect through the whole community with a particularly adverse impact on education and lifelong learning. Library services provided FREE last year included:
- Reference service around the clock—24x7
- Loan of 1.8 million items for use in area classrooms
- Internet access at all 42 library locations
- Over 150 research databases accessible from the Library as well as remote locations
- Classroom visits
- Over 15,000 free programs designed to encourage reading.
- GED workshops and testing
What additional consequences could occur in the FUTURE if funding doesn’t increase and costs continue to rise?
Fewer hours open!
In 2003, open hours were cut by 10% or a total of 231 hours a week throughout the county! Twelve branches may soon close three more days a week and Sunday hours will be eliminated August 21.
Services cut!
Mailed patron notices for holds and overdues will be eliminated.
No new libraries!
The last new library built in Hamilton County was the Harrison Branch, which opened in October 2001. Without building funds, the Library is unable to respond to population growth and demographic shifts.
Deterioration of facilities!
Confronted with reduced funding, the Library’s proactive maintenance program was stopped in 2002. Now repairs are addressed only on an emergency basis. Under these conditions, buildings will deteriorate faster, will cost more to repair, and will be less inviting.
No library improvements!
Only two improvement projects have been completed since 2001—the Westwood Branch, a project begun before the funding shortfall, and Clifton Branch, funded through private donations.
What additional consequences could occur in the FUTURE if funding doesn’t increase and costs continue to rise?
Further reduced hours!
Library hours may be cut again. At times when you want to use the library, the doors may be closed.
Fewer books, DVDs, videos & CD’s!
Less selection, longer waiting for what you want. System-wide delivery of materials may cease, requiring you to travel farther to get what you want.
Expensive reference materials will become unaffordable. As the collection ages, the Library will be less able to provide up-to-date information. Gaps in the collection will grow and these missing materials will quickly become unavailable.
Fewer computers!
As aging equipment fails but cannot be replaced, fewer computers will be available. You’ll need to wait longer to access the Library’s catalog or get online.
Less qualified staff!
As the Library becomes a less desirable place of employment, the best-qualified staff may leave.
Fewer librarians!
With fewer librarians on the job, your wait for reference assistance or to check out the things you want to borrow will get longer.
Storytimes, after school adventures, computer training and other programs currently presented by staff will be drastically cut.
Fewer branches!
Some library branches may be closed.
Diminished quality of service!
The Library’s ability to serve lifelong learning needs, such as school readiness and literacy, will be diminished. As those who can afford it are able to purchase a wide variety of accurate, timely materials and to buy alternative services, those with fewer economic resources will be disadvantaged by having less access to up-to-date information, services and technology.
Fees imposed!
Fees may be charged for services that are now free.
