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)

Ohio’s Public Libraries…

  • 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.

More Facts:

  • 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.