LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Ohio libraries stand to take a $100 million dollar hit if the proposed House budget makes it through.
That's according to the Ohio Library Council which says the House version wipes out the Public Library Fund (PLF) and replaces it with a line item. The group says the new proposed distribution formula would cut funding to nearly half of the state's libraries, including in Allen County.
Officials at the Lima Public Library say current state funding isn't even keeping up with inflation, and this proposal would cut even deeper.
Officials at the Lima Public Library say current state funding isn't even keeping up with inflation, and this proposal would cut even deeper.
"This proposed budget isn't going to end libraries, but the Lima Library is 100% dependent upon this PLF," said Liz Winhover, head of public relations for the Lima Public Library. "We don't have any levies or really large outside funding, so we really do need that money to bring programming, materials, outreach, all the things that people love about the library - it will hit us in those areas."
Winhover says every dollar invested in local libraries through programs like employment services and tax help brings back five dollars into the community. She urges library backers to contact Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman with funding concerns.
