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Governor Strickland proposed cuts to state funding for public libraries
During a news conference on Friday, June 19, Governor Strickland proposed a cut to state funding for public libraries of over 50% as a measure to help balance a budget gap of $3.2 billion. Since the Lane Libraries receive approximately 95% of our funding from the state (through the Public Library Fund), the proposed plan would be devastating. The passage of this proposal would cut Lane's 2008 funding of $5.9 million in half moving forward and would force the library system to decrease hours of operation for its three locations. Library users would also have fewer materials, programs and services to take advantage of.

The Governor's proposed funding cuts come at a time when Ohio's public libraries are experiencing unprecedented increases in demand for services. In our communities, library users are turning to their public libraries for free high speed Internet access and help with employment searches, children and teens are beginning summer reading programs, and people of all ages are turning to the library as a lifeline during these difficult economic times.