WYSO Local News
(2009-06-22)
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The Governor's proposal could cause job cuts, decreased hours and even branch closures. Ohio libraries had already taken a 20% cut in funding.
"But to throw 30% cut on top of that means that we're not going to be there when you need us most and that's heartbreaking - it's disconcerting."
Green County Public Libary Director Karl Colon says he's seen a large increase in library use because during times of low employment, people use the library to look for jobs. He's also seen an increase in attendance at the library's childrens' programs.
"Parents need things to do with their kids. They need to do things together as a family, but they can't afford to pay for that stuff anymore."
About two-thirds of the states libraries are funded soley by the state. Some libraries have additional funding from levies. Libraries throughout the Miami Valley are mobilizing in response to the Governor's proposal. Alison Peck of the Clark County Public Library is working to get the word out to users.
"We actually sent out a blanket email to our patron list yesterday explaining the situation that it was a proposed 50% cut to the state that that would actually equate to about $2.5 million less for the Clark County Public Library per year."
"This not something that's a done deal - they can contact their legislators. They can call Governor Strickland's office and let him know that libraries really depend on the success of Ohio and it's citizens."
Dayton Metro Library Executive Director Tim Kambitch.
"Ohio's been talking about how they want to retain workers - how they want these young college graduates to stay. Well one of the quality of life issues or one of the aspects of quality of life that we have here in Ohio has been the quality of our libraries."
Library users can learn more about how the proposed budget cuts will affect their local library by visiting it's website. The Ohio Legislative session is scheduled to end on June 30th.
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