WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
TELL THE HOUSE: DON’T CUT OHIO LIBRARIES!
RESTORE THE PUBLIC LIBRARY FUND TO 1.75%
HELP PROTECT YOUR LIBRARY - TAKE ACTION NOW!
This message is a departure from our usual communications to you, our valued patrons and supporters. Ohio’s libraries are facing an unprecedented challenge in the Ohio House of Representatives, and we need your help.
How will the House’s version of the budget impact Ohio?
- The Ohio House of Representatives’ biennium budget proposal eliminates the Public Library Fund, a mechanism that has funded 251 public library systems for four decades.
- Ohio House Members plan to replace the Public Library Fund with a lump dollar amount for all Ohio libraries, which will result in cuts to libraries across the state.
- The Public Library Fund has remained flat for 25 years and House Members have put forward a dollar amount that does not account for a quarter of a century of inflation.
- The Public Library Fund, which makes up 67% of Newton Falls Public Library’s funding, is at risk of being eliminated, potentially cutting nearly $60,000 from our budget starting July 1st for the remainder of calendar year 2025. The potential elimination of the Public Library Fund and the reduction in funding is a serious concern, especially when considering the library's reliance on this fund for a large portion of its budget.
- This would significantly affect library programming, library materials, library services, and library operating hours in our community. Libraries like ours are a vital resource for education, literacy, and community-building, and we cannot afford to see this funding cut.
Here’s how you can help:
- Contact Your Legislators – Reach out to your Ohio House of Representative Member and Speaker Huffman. Tell them what the Newton Falls Public Library means to you and how these cuts will impact your family and the community. Tell your representatives your library story! They need to hear WHY we matter to YOU, and they need to hear it NOW. The Ohio House of Representatives will vote Wednesday, April 9. The time for action is now.
- Spread the Word – Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to join in advocating for libraries. The more voices we have, the stronger our message will be.
Time is of the essence—House members will soon be making their final recommendations, so please act now!
Talking Points:
- Don’t cut Ohio’s public libraries!
- Don’t cut my library!
- Please share what you love about your library and the impact it has had on your life. Personal stories that resonate with legislators need to be told. We need personal stories and testimonials! In March you told us why the library was important to you. Now we ask you to share those stories with your legislators.
- The ASK – Restore the Public Library Fund to 1.75%!
Please contact:
Matt Huffman
State Representative, 78th District
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Riffle Center - 14th Floor
77 S. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 466-6344
Fax: (614) 719-3977
www.ohiohouse.gov/matt-huffman
Nick Santucci
State Representative, 64th District
House of Representatives
Riffle Center - 13th Floor
77 S. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 466-5441
Fax: (614) 719-0008
www.ohiohouse.gov/nick-santucci
Thank you for your support.