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OUR VIEW: Libraries aren't luxuries: Massive cut in state funding would be detrimental to vital public service

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June 28, 2009

Gov. Ted Strickland wants to help plug the $3 billion hole in Ohio's budget with library money. A lot of it.

If the governor has his way, libraries stand to lose half of their state funding. The governor is proposing a 30 percent cut in state support on top of the 20 percent hit in funding libraries already have taken.

That's a terrible idea.

Trying to balance the budget while cutting library funding to the bone sends a message that libraries and what they stand for are somehow expendable, luxuries that can be sacrificed when times are tough.

Actually, the opposite is true. We need libraries now, more than ever. Knowledge and culture aren't luxuries to be limited to those who can afford them.

Libraries are a lot more than places to get books. They are lifelines for communities, opening their doors and offering a variety of resources to all, regardless of who they are and what they earn.

Many turn to libraries for books, newspapers, periodicals, music and films -- gaining access to materials, free of charge, that they might not otherwise be able to afford. Others utilize library resources such as high-speed Internet access to help with school projects, business issues and, increasingly, job searches.

Most libraries don't have separate, locally funded operating levies, which means that a 50 percent cut in state money will trigger serious reductions in staffing, hours and resources, including books and other materials on their shelves. Some, including three library branches in Portage County, could end up closing their doors entirely.

The people of Portage County are blessed with three excellent library systems -- the Portage County District Library, Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna and Kent Free Library -- that we sometimes take for granted. A loss of funding of the magnitude suggested by the governor will be seriously detrimental to all of them.

The state budget is supposed to be finalized by Tuesday. Library advocates have flooded Columbus with protests over Strickland's plan. We hope Ohio legislators listen to them.

Libraries aren't luxuries, no matter how tight the budget is.




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