As libraries and patrons from across Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties plan to celebrate National Library Week, the Ohio House delivered some very unwelcome news to the tens of thousands of library users that those libraries serve. The House introduced its version of the state budget, which includes cuts to library funding across Ohio. The proposed budget would eliminate the Public Library Fund (PLF) in current law and replace it with a line-item appropriation to be distributed on a per capita basis that is significantly less than previous years’ funding for libraries across the state.
The Governor proposed a bill that would slightly increase library funding. However, the House version of the budget would reduce state funding for Ohio’s public libraries by over $100 million over FY 2026 and FY 2027 compared to the Governor’s proposal, according to the Ohio Library Council.
“Across our four-county region, the House bill would reduce funding for all our libraries by $5.2 million over FY 2026 and FY 2027. The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) would see its funding reduced by $2.7 million over those two years,” said Aimee Fifarek, PLYMC Director & CEO. “Funding decisions in Columbus should not force local leaders across our region to make choices that could harm area families.”
“The $1.2 million that the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library would lose every two years is devastating,” said Jim Wilkins, WTCPL Executive Director and Fiscal Officer. "What is more harmful to all of our area libraries is the House proposal to get rid of the Public Library Fund completely and make library funding subject to the whims of legislators in Columbus every two years,” added Wilkins.
Tamra Hess, Director of East Palestine Memorial Public Library said, “Libraries without local levies, of which East Palestine is one, rely entirely on the Public Library Fund to cover the majority of the annual operating budget. This was by design - the State of Ohio's partnership with Ohio's public libraries. Moving public library funding from the PLF, a guaranteed 1.7% of General Revenue Funds, to a Per Capita Funding Model puts all public library funding at risk and does not take into consideration the interdependency of Ohio's public libraries. The lending and borrowing of materials is statewide and cannot be quantified "per capita."”
In Mahoning County in 2024 alone, local families, neighbors, and friends visited their library 670,000 times, enough to fill YSU’s Stambaugh Stadium over 30 times. Libraries are incredibly popular with the public as a resource for families and are essential. Loss of library programming would be felt across the region. Yet despite this popularity, Legislators are putting at risk library programs such as:
- Summer Reading
- Early Childhood Literacy
- Workforce Development and Career Counseling
- Digital Literacy
- Programming for seniors and those with mobility issues
Supporters of the House Bill say that their proposal is an increase in library funding. According to Fifarek, “By any measure, a $5.2 million cut in funding across the region over Fiscal years 2026 and 2027 is NOT an increase.”
Kim Blevins, Director of the Rock Creek Public Library in Ashtabula County said “Libraries are about helping communities. Libraries are places where everyone has free and equal access to knowledge, learning, and the tools necessary to navigate in the digital age. To quote Benjamin Franklin “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” We hope that an outcry of community support will persuade our governmental leaders that libraries are an investment in the future of all Ohio citizens.”
Brad Stephens, Salem Public Library Director and Fiscal Officer said, “Demand for programs and services is at its highest point since the pandemic (and still growing) libraries are essential centers for our communities providing service for everyone - children, seniors, adults with disabilities, young families, and more - funding cuts aren't just a reduction they are a direct blow to community well-being. We ask the members of the House to restore the PLF and STOP cuts to library funding. “
Lorena Hegedus, Director of Hubbard Public Library said, “Any cut in funding to our libraries is detrimental. This proposal is devastating. The nontraditional resources such as technology, educational toys, and equipment that Hubbard Public Library (HPL) provides through lending, collectively provides a return on investment of $80,000 in estimated savings per year to our families. How do you put a value on collaborations that HPL has established with our local Elmwood Assisted Living facility to provide intergenerational programming that supports social, emotional, and educational well-being for our youngest and oldest members of the community? You really cannot, but HPL has received priceless testimonials of the benefits. One child, speaking of his Elmwood Reading Pal said, "I like reading new books each week, and I get to see my friend." To which the delighted elderly resident responded, "You know, these kids remember me!" These are just a couple examples of what would be jeopardized by any reduction in funding.”
Penny Neubauer, Director of Ashtabula County District Library said, “Though our local Representatives are insisting that library funding is not being cut, which may be true in some areas of the State, according to House leadership’s own Per Capita Allocation distribution spreadsheet, libraries across Ashtabula County will see funding reduced by $60,845 annually during the next biennium budget. Additionally, libraries across the four-county Lake to River Libraries (Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties) are set to lose $5.2 million over the next two fiscal years. But that is just the beginning of our concerns. By shifting the funding model from the Public Library Fund (PLF) which provides a guaranteed percentage of General Revenue Funds (currently 1.7%) and moving funding allocations to a line item in the State budget, Ohio libraries become extremely susceptible to future funding cuts and extremely vulnerable to shifting political winds.”
Kathy Zappitello, Executive Director of Conneaut Public Library said, "Ashtabula County elected leadership that does not value education and lifelong learning so with that, libraries are facing an elimination of all revenue streams due to the current administration legislative actions. I am outraged. We need our community, our patrons, to speak up and tell our elected leadership how they use the library and how it impacts their community. Library leaders have advocated to our elected leaders for years to no avail. Perhaps they will listen to their constituents since they will not listen to the vocational experts."
“As one of our nation’s oldest democratic public spaces, libraries have become deeply integrated into our communities. They have gone beyond books and stepped in to meet a wide variety of social and civic needs. Here at Kinsman Free Public Library, we are always moving forward to produce new innovative and creative programs to always engage, enrich, and enlighten all who come through our doors. We can’t let the HB 96 supporters make harmful decisions that will eliminate our ability to do so.” said Cheryl Slater, Director and Deputy Fiscal Officer in Kinsman Ohio
Marcy Kaiser, of the Lepper Library in Lisbon, Ohio said, “The state funding provides 92% of our budget annually here at Lepper Library in Lisbon, Ohio. These drastic cuts in funding will cause our library to reduce services in many areas, including material purchasing, programing and outreach services. Currently, we are providing monthly outreach programs and materials at three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, eight pre-schools and four nursing home/senior centers. This much needed programing exposes the children to literacy materials and provides the seniors with many hours of activities.” “Libraries are the most beloved institutions in America, so I was shocked to discover that the Ohio House of Representatives is currently working on the state budget. The House's state budget proposal eliminates the Public Library Fund (PLF) and replaces it with a line-item appropriation, representing a $100 million cut to library funding compared to Governor DeWine’s budget proposal. Ohio’s libraries are currently funded at the same level they were 25 years ago with no adjustment for inflation. Ohio is on the wrong side of this issue if these cuts are approved and tolerated. The libraries in the state of Ohio are the standard, exemplary, and unmatched,” said Joe Zappitello of Harbor Topky Memorial Library
Mariana Branch, Director of Kingsville Public Library said, “It was shocking to hear that some of our elected officials not only deny that library funding would be cut in the Sub. HB 96 but also make disparaging remarks, stating that "no amount of taxpayer dollars are good enough" for libraries. Libraries have always valued monies received from the Public Library Fund and we collaborate and share services across the state to ensure the highest return on investment for Ohioans. Public libraries are excellent stewards of public funds and deliver a significant return on investment, generating $5 in economic value to Ohioans for every $1 spent. An important point to note is that library funding has not kept pace with inflation, and Ohio’s public libraries are receiving the same level of funding today as they did 25 years ago.”
Tamra Hess, Director of East Palestine Memorial Public Library said, “As the Director of the East Palestine Memorial Public Library in Columbiana County, I am concerned with Sub. House Bill 96's reduction of $100 Million from Governor DeWine's proposed amounts for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 and the proposed elimination of the Public Library Fund (PLF). Libraries without local levies, of which East Palestine is one, rely entirely on the Public Library Fund to cover the majority of the annual operating budget. This was by design - the State of Ohio's partnership with Ohio's public libraries. Moving public library funding from the PLF, a guaranteed 1.7% of General Revenue Funds, to a Per Capita Funding Model puts all public library funding at risk and does not take into consideration the interdependency of Ohio's public libraries. The lending and borrowing of materials is statewide and cannot be quantified "per capita."”
Representatives from across the Lake to River Region will be in Columbus this week speaking to area legislators about the importance of restoring the PLF to 1.75% of the General Revenue Fund (GRF) and to STOP cuts to library funding. They call upon all supporters of the library to contact their statewide elected officials to tell them to stop the proposed cuts to library funding across the state and restore the Public Library Fund (PLF).