- How is the Library currently funded?
- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County typically receives 95% of its funding from a state tax supported fund known as the Library and Local Government Support Fund or LLGSF. The LLGSF is funded with 5.7% of the personal income tax collections in Ohio.
- What about other sources of revenue?
- The Library receives no local support either from the City, the County, or local communities. There are no tax levies or bond issues to help the Library. The Library does have some trust funds but these are largely non-expendable and restricted by donor designations for specific purposes.
- How much is the Library’s budget being cut?
- There are two proposals at the State level that could affect Library funding. First, the State’s biennial budget process is currently underway. The first step in this process is the introduction of the Governor’s budget. In his budget introduced in early February, Governor Taft proposed freezing the LLGSF for the remainder of calendar year 2005. Beginning in January 2006, the frozen LLGSF distributions would be reduced by 5% each month through June 2007, the end of the budget biennium. This would amount to a $2.4 million decrease in the LLGSF for our our library in 2006.
- Governor Taft has also proposed tax reform that would reduce personal income taxes by 21%. A reduction in collections of personal income tax could result in a reduction of library funding unless provisions are made to protect library funding from this cut.
- When did the Library know that there was going to be this kind of funding reduction?
- Since the Library receives the majority of its funding from the State, it is possible for a change in funding to take place at any time through legislative action. This reduction is proposed as part of the State’s regular budgeting process.
- Is it possible that the Friends funds be transferred from program support to operating?
- This is one option that is being considered. The Friends provide about $150,000 annually to support programming. Switching this money to cover operating expenses would decimate a very successful part of the Library’s services.
- In the past the Library has received the highest state funding per capita of any county in the state. Where does the money go?
- First, the Library is among the nation’s most cost-efficient large urban libraries. Among the ten top circulating libraries, it ranks third lowest in cost per circulation ($3.29). In 2003, Cleveland Public Library’s cost per circulation was $9.90.
- Second, the nature of the Library system is unique. While Cleveland Public Library operates only 28 branches, Cincinnati’s system supports 41 branches plus one of the largest Main Public Libraries in the country. Operating such a large number of branches takes a larger staff because each facility needs a manager, children’s librarian, reference librarian, other public service staff, as well as support staff such as a custodian. Expenses are incurred at every facility for maintenance, materials, security, utilities, etc. As the oldest and largest library in the area with the most in-depth collection, the Main Library serves as a resource and reference center for the entire tri-state.
- Finally, the Library is very fiscally responsible. It has received the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This is the highest form of recognition in the area of government financial reporting, and its attainment is a significant accomplishment by a governmental unit. The Library has consistently received this award each year since preparation of the first report in 1993.
- How can the community offer their support and ideas for saving money?
- The primary support needed is financial. A donation to the Library Foundation would be appreciated.
- Since funding began to drop in 2001, all Library employees have continued to seek ways to reduce costs but input from the public is welcome. Statements of support and cost saving ideas can be forwarded to either Library staff or Trustees. This can be done through a letter or through the comment form on the Library’s website.
- When we think of libraries, books come to mind—what are the other benefits of having a community library?
- Libraries are at the heart of the community. There is no other institution that can reach a greater number of people and so positively affect their lives. The Library meets a full spectrum of community needs—informational, cultural, educational and recreational. It offers free services to everyone and supports lifelong learning, from birth to old age, in a welcoming environment.
- Libraries offer so much more than books—although books remain an important part of the Library. In addition to a selection of books for all ages and reading interests, the Library’s collection includes magazines and newspapers, CDs, videos, DVDs, books that can be listened to, and free access to the Internet. The Library’s staff offers personalized assistance to customers. They provide reference assistance utilizing both print and online resources, share a love of reading through reader’s advisory services for new publications and favorite authors, select materials to a teacher’s specifications for use in the classroom, visit schools, nursing homes and other institutions within the community, and offer a variety of programs designed to entice visitors of all ages to the library for an informative and entertaining event. Libraries contribute to the vitality of a community by encouraging residency within the community, supporting the educational efforts of the school systems, and serving as an information center for local businesses. We often hear from people who decided to move into a community because there was a library nearby.
February 28, 2005
