Save Ohio

The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library has been made aware of a possible major crisis for the State of Ohio and public libraries.

“If the State Senate does not pass the bi-partisan House Bill 318 by the time the Senate recesses on Wednesday, December 16, 2009, it will result in further cuts that will dramatically impact Ohio’s ability to recover from this struggling economy,” said Library Director Clyde Scoles in an impromptu news conference held this morning in the Huntington Room of Main Library, 325 Michigan St.

“No action by the State Senate is absolutely unacceptable. House Bill 318 will provide enough money for the state to balance the budget next year,” added Scoles.

According to the Ohio Library Council, this is not just about Save Ohio Libraries; this is about Save Ohio:

According to the Ohio Library Council, there is an important proposal before the Ohio Senate that requires immediate action. This proposal would postpone the final cut in the state income tax. Although this proposal means that Ohioans will not pay any more state income taxes than they did in 2009, it will provide enough money to the state to balance the budget next year.

Cuts in Ohio's budget have already been severe. Public libraries are only one example but, as you know, most libraries have had to cut hours, lay off staff, close branches, reduce materials, and a variety of other measures that have limited your access to important library services.

This is also true of local governments that have experienced cuts for police and fire and other essential services. No one has gone unaffected by the state's budget cuts.

Scoles added that all Ohioans need to “band together now” and he is urging all Library patrons and Lucas County residents to contact all Ohio Senators immediately.

A complete list of Senate e-mail addresses and phone numbers is scheduled to be posted this afternoon on www.toledolibrary.org

The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library has been impacted by the 18 percent cut from the Public Library Fund when the state budget was approved earlier this year. As a result, TLCPL was forced to reduce staff, hours and materials.

HB 318 is the latest legislative effort to balance the state’s biennial budget. That now appears to major problem, for it would have to become law by December 31 and there are only two more scheduled Senate sessions – Tuesday, December 15 and Wednesday, December 16.

According to OLC, without Senate support of HB 318, more cuts to libraries and other important Ohio services are on the way. Public libraries, along with local governments, K-12 schools, higher education, children’s services, and social service agencies would be severely affected.

Did you know? Nearly half of your Library’s funding is generated from state dollars, the other half from property tax dollars. The recent 30 percent reduction in state library funding, coupled with a drop in property tax valuations, has caused a drastic $7.4 million shortfall for 2010. To survive and provide service to our patrons, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library has been forced to reduce hours, staff and Library materials. Thanks for your continued support.

For more details, please call 259.5207