Restore Funding to Ohio's Public Libraries
- by: Stacie Ingro, none
- recipient: Ohio State Senators and Representatives, Ohio State Government
Ohio's Library and Local Government Support Fund has been frozen by state legislation for the next two fiscal years. We, the people of Ohio urge our state government officials to restore funding through the Library and Local Government Support Fund (LLGSF).
The state funds for libraries through the LLGSF have been frozen by the state until June of 2003. In addition, funding for internet access to public libraries is now being deducted from the State Library of Ohio's budget instead of from a separate fund. Consequently, over $80 million has been deducted from funding for the 250 public districts in Ohio.
These cuts will be felt by libraries statewide through fewer reading and audiovisual materials, fewer community programs, fewer staff members, and a greater dependence on donations.
We, the people of Ohio urge our state government to restore the gift of knowledge by restoring funds to our public libraries as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
