Talking Points

Message to Lawmakers

Make public libraries a priority in the state budget
Maintain PLF funding and set the permanent law language at at least 1.70% of the State’s General Revenue Fund (GRF)
Hold public libraries harmless from any additional reductions in state funding (HB 1)

Offer literacy and homework help for children, including free tutoring, after-school programs and summer enrichment.
Provide public access to the internet, computers and the latest technology, including mobile WiFi hotspots, tablets, 3-D printers, and more.
Help Ohioans find jobs and provide online educational courses and tech training.
Serve as the hub for their community and a place for people to gather.
Collaborate with private groups, food banks, and state and local government entities to help deliver local services.
Provide life-long learning opportunities and programming for all ages.
Offer personalized, one-on-one support to find unbiased and well researched information as well as community resources.

Unlike schools and other local governments, public libraries do not receive state funding for facilities/buildings through the Capital Appropriations Bill. The only option is to utilize operating funds, pass a bond levy, or borrow extremely limited amounts of funds.
Unlike counties, cities and school districts, public libraries do not receive Casino revenue from Ohio’s casinos.
Not all public libraries have a local property tax levy and rely on state funding through the PLF as their primary source of funding for day-to-day operations and providing services to their communities.
More than half of the total funding for Ohio’s public libraries comes from the state through the PLF.
Ohio’s public libraries use state funding in a cost-effective manner. For every $1 spent by Ohio’s public libraries, they return $5 in economic value to Ohioans.