Ohio House Budget Reduces Public Library Funding by $100 Million

ZANESVILLE, OH – The Ohio House of Representatives has introduced its version of the state budget, which includes significant cuts to funding for Ohio’s public libraries.

Over $100 Million will be taken away from libraries statewide, which includes the Muskingum County Library System.

Stacey Russell, the Executive Director of MCLS, says this news came as a bit of a shock but there is something that Muskingum County residents can do to help combat these cuts.

“What we really want right now is for our Library customers, friends to advocate for the Library with our legislators.” Russell said. “Our call to action right now is before April 9th, which is next Wednesday, for anyone that can, to email or call their local representative and also Speaker Huffman in the Ohio House and tell them not to cut Library funding, not to cut our library in general, talk to them about why our library is important to you or your family and how we’ve helped you.”

Russell says for Muskingum County residents, in addition to calling Speaker Matt Huffman, they can also call State Representative Adam Holmes.

She also says it’s still early in the budget process but the time to make your voice heard is now.

“We still have 3 months of this budget process to go, so it’s really early for us to start making decisions about what this might mean.” Russell said. “But it’s impactful, they’re also changing how libraries are funded and that will also impact the way libraries share resources throughout the State of Ohio.”

For more information about these budget cuts, you can head to the Library’s website.