Written by Liz Foreman, Marketing Manager, Downtown Main Library
Thanks to your advocacy, the Ohio House removed a provision in the state budget bill that would have resulted in a drastic cut to your Library’s funding. Your voices were heard, but the budget process is far from over.
State Support for Public Libraries Is Essential
50% of Our Library’s Funding Comes from the State
Update 4/18/25:
What You Need to Know
The Ohio House approved its version of the State Operating Budget on April 9.
- The provision to change the way state funds are distributed to Ohio's public libraries was removed from the bill.
- Rather than funding public libraries as a percentage of the state's General Revenue Fund (GRF), as it has since 1983, the House's proposal allocates a set amount to public libraries through a line-item appropriation. Removing the Public Library Fund (PLF) from permanent law may result in less stable funding for Ohio's public libraries in the future.
- The amount appropriated, while a slight increase over the original House proposal, funds public libraries at roughly the same levels that they were funded 25 years ago.
The budget process now shifts to the Ohio Senate. Work will start once the Ohio Legislature is back in session the week of April 28. The budget may not be finalized until the end of June.
We will continue to work with Library systems across Ohio and our state legislators to advocate for stable, consistent state funding and a restoration of the PLF to 1.75% of the GRF, per Governor DeWine’s proposed budget.
What You Can Do Now
We are pausing outreach to state legislators. We may call on you again for support as the budget bill progresses through the Senate.
Please continue to share these messages with friends and family:
State Support for Public Libraries Is Essential
50% of Our Library’s Funding Comes from the State
Stay informed! Please follow CHPL on social media for the latest updates:
Thank you for your continuing support of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library and libraries across Ohio.
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