Passed by the State Library Board on June 25, 2009.

WHEREAS, Ohio’s public libraries provide essential literacy and information services to all of Ohio’s residents; and

WHEREAS, the services of public libraries are so much more important and so much more utilized during times of economic distress; and

WHEREAS, Ohio’s public libraries appreciate the long-standing support of the Ohio General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, Ohio’s public libraries agreed to and supported Governor Strickland’s funding proposal in the State Fiscal Year 2008 – 2009 biennium budget to establish the Public Library Fund at 2.22% of total tax revenue, rather than 5.7% of personal income tax; and

WHEREAS, some 74% of Ohio’s 251 public libraries rely on the Public Library Fund as their only significant financial support; and

WHEREAS, Ohio’s Public Library Fund revenue is projected to deteriorate by about 20% in this biennium period because of reduced tax revenue, while experiencing double-digit increases in patron usage; and

WHEREAS, a proposed cut of an additional 30% in funding from the Public Library Fund would have a devastating impact on Ohio’s public libraries and their ability to provide much needed services to Ohioans;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that on this day, June 25, 2009, the State Library Board, providing services and support to all types of libraries in the state, including public libraries, and to state government, respectfully requests that the Ohio General Assembly consider the continuance of the statutory funding formula for local public libraries at its current level with no further reduction in funding outside the Public Library Fund formula.