Passed by the State Library Board on March 26, 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 70% 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 14% in this biennium period because of reduced tax revenue, while experiencing double-digit increases in patron usage;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that on this day, March 26, 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, and not fund the expenses of Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) or the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped out of the Public Library Fund; and that funding for OPLIN and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped remain part of the General Revenue Fund.