Marion Public Library and Ohio’s libraries need your help! We need you to contact your state representatives and senator and tell them not to cut library funding.

The Ohio House of Representatives' current version of the budget would reduce state funding for Ohio’s public libraries by more than $100 million over the biennium as compared to the Governor’s proposal.

The proposed elimination of the Public Library Fund comes after Ohio libraries already saw a $27 million shortfall in state funding in 2024. Ohio’s libraries have been funded at the same level for 25 years, with no adjustment for inflation. 

OLC representatives urged the Senate to support Amendment SC1236 to restore the PLF to 1.75% of the GRF and to remove the restrictive materials language from the House proposal through Amendment SC1542.

How does this impact you? Marion Public Library relies on funding from the state’s Public Library Fund to support our operations and capital investments, library resources, programs and services...and the books our community needs.
 
Things like:

• All outreach deliveries
• Summer Reading events and engagements
• Family fun nights and teen programs
• Storytime, baby time, and lapsit programs for developing minds
• Digital literacy for older adults  
• Early literacy initiatives
• Adult lifelong learning opportunities
• Resources for research
• and so much more

Here's how you can HELP! Contact your state representative, state senator, and Speaker Matt Huffman. Tell them to restore the Public Library Fund to the amount designated in the Governor’s proposed budget and share how important the library is to you and your family and how a cut to libraries would impact you and your neighbors.

• Speaker Huffman can be reached at rep78@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 466-6344.

• Marion's state representatives:
  614-644-6265  Contact Riordan T. McClain | District 87 | Ohio House of Representatives
  614-466-8147  Contact Tracy M. Richardson | District 86 | Ohio House of Representatives

• Marion's state senator - Ohio Senate District 26 - is Bill Reineke.
  (614) 466-8049    Senator Bill Reineke Contact | Ohio Senate

Legislators need to hear your personal stories. Be sure to share your personal story on how Marion Public Library impacts your life and your family.

Let your voice be heard where it counts. Your support matters. Don't cut Ohio's public libraries.

An overview of Marion Public Library 2024: Annual Report 2024