By now you've probably seen or read a story about the budget cuts that Ohio Public Libraries are facing if Governor Strickland's recommendations are accepted by the State Legislature. If you need a recap, or haven't yet heard about the cuts you can read about them here.
Right now, we are playing a waiting game as the General Assembly debates what cuts will take place. It has been a busy two weeks as librarians and library workers across Ohio try to answer questions and calm fears for patrons, while trying to follow the many twists and turns of this complicated process of trying to fill a void in the budget. I'm going to take a second to answer here some of the major questions we've received (even some of the tough ones):
What would this cut mean for Defiance Public Library System?
- The Board of Trustees of the Defiance Public Library System met the week after the Governor's recommendation. The Board discussed the cuts at length and felt they did not want to rush into making any decisions about such a major loss in funding, that has not been yet finalized and may not occur (*crosses fingers*). Even though the Board and our Director hold services, hours, and staff as our highest priorities when examining budget cuts, there would be no way to operate on the new budget without cuts in each of these areas. How deep those cuts would be, will depend upon the General Assembly's final budget decisions.
When will we find out what cuts have been made?
- This ball is in the Legislature's court. The budget was to be passed originally on July 1, but the General Assembly could not come to an agreement by that time. They have passed an Interim Budget that allows them another 7 days to discuss these cuts at the moment (the new deadline being July 7). If they still cannot come to a decision by then, a second Interim Budget can be passed for a further 7 days of talks. This cycle can and will go on as long as needed.
Everyone is experiencing cuts, shouldn't libraries take a hit too?
- Absolutely we should, and we have. Due to loss of revenues this year, the Public Library Fund has already seen a 20% decrease in revenue in 2009. That was a tough hit, but libraries know how hard economic times have been this year and we took it in stride. No complaints were made. But with the Governor's latest recommendations, Public Libraries would see a decrease totaling 50%. This cut would equal huge losses in jobs and services throughout the state and would mean the closing of several local branches. In a time when our usage is soaring because of free Internet Access and Job Search Resources, this seemed to only make the problem worse, not offer relief to Ohio.
Why are libraries important anyway? Who needs free books?
- There are several people that see libraries as just a place to get free novels to read on a lazy afternoon. And, yeah, we still love that we offer this, but libraries have come to offer so much more, and we're becoming essential to our patrons. From free Internet Access, to Free Educational Resources, to Free programs and events for all ages, to Free Entertainment, we've become the go-to place for people who are trying to save money and get a fresh start. Contrary to popular belief, our circulation and usage has been increasing over the past years. While I type this I am watching a young family with 4 kids under the age of 11 find free DVDs, seeing 2 unemployed workers find Educational resources for their job search and fax resumes to employers, enjoying a wall full of photographs that our patrons took for the Library Photography Contest that could win them prizes and recognition, and looking at 8 full computers offering free High Speed Internet Access. People are using libraries more not less. Sure, we think what we do is important, but our patrons are telling us the same thing, and that's what matters.
Will you put another levy on the ballot for Defiance?
- The Defiance Public Library System currently operates partially on a 5-year levy that was passed by the citizens of Defiance in 2007. That revenue ensures that we can keep our doors open and keep operating right now and is greatly appreciated, especially in times like these. The Board of Trustees is waiting to hear what the final cuts are before they make their decisions about budgeting, so unfortunately there is no answer to this right now. It is an option, although, one that would be a last resort.
What do we do now?
- Now, we wait. Our patrons around Ohio have been wonderful at getting the word out and asking their representatives to fight for Ohio Libraries. We cannot thank you enough for all you have done, but now it is in their hands. We'll keep you posted.
If you would like the latest news on Public Library budgets you can check out any of the following sites:
http://www.olc.org - The Ohio Library Council Website with the latest official news from our lobbying group.
http://saveohiolibraries.com - The website created specifically for this cause. It is updated frequently with the latest news from the Ohio Library Council and from the grassroots efforts that libraries are putting together for this campaign. A great place for photos and videos of support as well.
Save Ohio Libraries Facebook Page - If you are a Facebook user, you can become a supporter of the Save Ohio Libraries Facebook Page to hear from supporters all over the state (and Country!).
http://www.defiancelibrary.org - If you click on the Save Our Libraries Information Page, the top three bullets are being updated with the latest info every few days.
Thank you again to everyone who wrote or called their representatives. Stay tuned for the latest.
monty
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