“This isn’t something that’s going to be impacting us a year from now. It’s going to have immediate effects.” But they are being forced to have difficult discussions as state funding revenue continues to dip, threatening operations and programs.
“Further limitations in funding, both at the state and local level, would be devastating to many of our communities where the public library is seen as and serves as a community hub,” Francis told the committee in May. In 2022, the PLF distribution was $208.5 million. The fund dropped again in 2023, to $205.2 million. Current numbers reported by the Ohio Library Council show the 2024 year-to-date distribution at $187.5 million.
In 2004, only 74 of the 251 libraries the OLC represents had levies on the books. This year, 203 libraries rely on levies for funding, and only 48 live without them. Though the funding discussions were happening long before COVID threw everyone for a loop, Van Bebber said that period really ratcheted up pivoting strategies.
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