To the Editor:
A great injustice is about to occur within the community, one that will have a profound effect on the library as you know it.
This past Friday, Governor Ted Strickland proposed a cut of $227.3 million in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 as part of his plan to fill the $3.2 billion gap in the state’s budget. This will mean a more than 50% cut in funding for many of Ohio’s public libraries, in addition to the 20% reduction in tax revenue from 2009. Libraries will close or face significant reductions in operations as a result of the Governor’s proposal.
With about 70% of the state’s public libraries relying solely on state funding, this reduction would mean that many will close branches or drastically reduce hours and services.
Locally, a 50% reduction in funding could translate into a 50% reduction in all services, including buildings, hours, staffing, programming and materials, including Books, DVD’s, Music, and the Internet. I cannot express how urgent this situation is for the library and the community as a whole. As Carroll County’s sole provider of free Internet, many area residents depend on the library for their news and information, job searches and unemployment services.
Additionally, the library provides for local early childhood education.
This budget will be finalized by June 30th so the time to act is NOW!
Please take the time to contact our State Representative and State Senator and explain how important the library is to you and your family. As constituents, it’s everyone’s responsibility to let your representatives know the issues that impact lives and elections.
Mr. Ted Strickland, Governor State of Ohio
Phone: 61) 466- 3555
Fax: 614 466-9354
Representative Mark D. Okey
Phone: 614 466-1464
Fax: (614) 719-3961
Email: district61@ohr.state.oh.us
Senator Joe Schiavoni
Phone: 614-466-8285
Email: sd33@maild.sen.state.oh.us
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or visit the library,
Robert Antill
Director / Librarian
Carroll County District Library
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