Why does the Library need to go on the ballot now?
The Library has seen a 28% reduction in State funding since 2000 which will cause a deficit of over $16 million by 2010. Without new funding the Library will be forced to make dramatic cuts including closing branches, cutting services, and hours.
A reduction in services will affect thousands of individuals who rely on our Library system every single day for important services such as job placement, homework help, children's programming, and at home services for the homebound and elderly. Although the economy has taken a downturn, the need for these services has not decreased, but only increased dramatically as we have seen circulation numbers hit all-time highs in 2008 and record numbers at the beginning of 2009.
Doesn't the Library already receive local funding from the city or the county?
No, the Library does not currently receive any local funding from Cincinnati or Hamilton County. In fact, The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is the ONLY metropolitan library in Ohio that does not receive any local tax support.
What steps has the Library made to reduce its operating costs before coming to the public?
The Library has already reduced its hours by 10%, cut its staff by nearly 200 positions and postponed or canceled capital projects. In addition to making cuts to funding, the library continually seeks out grants and donations. 6.6% of the budget comes from grants and contributions that the Library receives, however, this is not enough to fill the over $16 million deficit that the Library is facing.
How would a local tax levy help the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County?
Local tax support would ensure that the Public Library could continue to provide the services that the citizens of Hamilton County have come to rely on. Branch libraries would be kept open. All Library services including programs for job seekers, children and teenagers, and seniors who are homebound would still continue to operate. In addition, the Library would be able to continue to update books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and other materials that are loaned out to the public for free everyday.
How much is the Library asking for and how much would that cost voters?
The Library is requesting a 1 mill operating levy to be placed on the November 3, 2009 ballot. At that millage rate, the owner of a $100,000 home would be asked to pay $2.50 a month.
Is there still a need to have Public Library services?
As the economy has failed, Library use has only increased. This includes providing computer access for job seekers, home work help for teenagers, children's programming, and Library services for the homebound and the elderly. We are already one of the top circulating libraries in the country and our Library saw circulation grow by more than 700,000 to an all time high of 15.6 million in 2008. In addition, Cincinnati is home to the busiest Main Library building in the country.
Has the time come where people should just buy their own books at local bookstores and rely on the Internet?
The Library is a great value for taxpayers. The average cost of a book at your local bookstore is $12. For $2.50 a month, residents in Hamilton County can have access to a wide variety of books from 40 branches and the Main Library. In addition, they also have access to DVDs, CDs and magazines that are all available at every Library branch. The Library has so much more to offer than just materials though, everyday hundreds of people swarm the computers for free Internet access or utilize the free wi-fi located in every one of the branches. In addition, programming for seniors, the homebound, children and teenagers is also made available.
What are the actual dollar figures for the budget?
2009 revenue losses over 2008:
| Anticipated losses in state revenues prior to July budget signing | ($6,961,037) |
| Estimated impact of signed state budget | ($1,563,122) |
| Other reductions & losses (interest income, etc.) | ($483,242) |
| Total estimated funding losses from 2008 to 2009 | ($9,007,401) |
State funding since 2000:
| 2000 State revenue | $53,116,813 |
| 2008 State revenue | $47,527,770 |
| 2009 State revenue (projected) | $39,003,611 |
| 2010 State revenue (estimated) | $35,467,905 |
In 2010, the gap between our income and expenses will reach $16 million.
Where can I find more information about the Library's funding situation?
Please refer to the funding section of our website.
