Save Ohio Libraries!

Teens, Ohio Libraries Need Your Help NOW!

At a news conference on Friday, June 19, Governor Strickland proposed a cut to state funding for public libraries of $227.3 million in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 as part of his plan to fill the $3.2 billion gap in the budget that must be balanced by the Ohio General Assembly's Conference Committee by June 30. This will mean a more than 50% cut in funding for many of Ohio's public libraries. Libraries could close or face significant reductions in operations as a result of the Governor's proposal. This cut is in addition to the 20% reduction in funding that libraries are already facing, because their funding comes from 2.22% of the state's declining General Revenue Fund.

Nancy Kelley, Way Library director, said that approximately 45 percent of Way’s revenue comes from the library’s four-year operating levy. “Therefore,” she continued, “we will not have to close the doors as many other libraries might have to do. But Way Library will need to drastically limit its hours and book purchases. Programming and staff hours will be slashed.”
She asked for people to contact state officials immediately.

What Can You Do To HELP?
Let Governor Strickland and your state legislators know what your library means to you! Use the links below to get your thoughts heard ASAP!

Governor Ted Strickland
614-466-3555
contact online

State Representative Randy Gardner
district06@ohr.state.oh.us

State Senator Mark Wagoner
SD02@senate.state.oh.us

Spread the word!
After contacting your legislators, help us spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors. Here are some suggestions:

Update your Facebook status
_____ contacted my elected officials to help save Ohio libraries and you should too. Find out more: http://saveohiolibraries.com/

Post a tweet on Twitter
I contacted my elected officials to help save Ohio libraries and you should too. Find out more: http://saveohiolibraries.com/

Change your profile picture on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites
Right click on the image at the top of this post, save it to your desktop, and upload as your profile picture to show your support of Ohio libraries

Send an email to your family, friends and neighbors
Ohio libraries are in jeopardy. I contacted the governor and my legislators to let them know what my library means to me. Find out how you can help, too: http://saveohiolibraries.com/

Your Help is Greatly Appreciated!