While this letter is different from our usual communications, we greatly encourage you to carefully consider its contents and take action to support your Tuscarawas County Public Library System.
The Public Library Fund has played a crucial role in providing services to customers like you at the Tuscarawas County Public Library System:
- Digital & Streaming Materials
- Home Delivery and Senior Services
- Computers, Wi-Fi, & Print-on-the-Go
- Meeting Rooms
- After School Tutoring & English language Learner Courses
- Storytime, School Readiness, & Teen Programs
- Technology Classes & Tech help
- Museum Passes
- Library of Things
- Drug Awareness & Addiction Resources
However, TCPL among other libraries across Ohio are facing an unprecedented challenge in the Ohio House of Representatives, and we need your help. The Ohio House of Representatives responded to the Governor’s proposed budget with their proposed version of the budget. It would provide $100.8 million less over the next two years to public libraries than Governor DeWine’s proposal.
- The Ohio House of Representatives’ proposed budget eliminates the Public Library Fund, which provides 51% of funding to Ohio’s 251 public libraries.
- Ohio House Members plan to replace the Public Library Fund with a lump dollar amount which will lead to cuts to all Ohio public libraries.
- These proposed cuts come when state funding has not kept up with inflation. Ohio’s public libraries received less state funding in 2024 than they did 25 years ago in 2000.
Tell YOUR story!
To support the Tuscarawas County Public Library System and other Ohio libraries, please email House Representative Jodi Salvo (or your state representative) and House Speaker Matt Huffman TODAY urging them to restore the Public Library Fund to the amount designated in the Governor’s proposed budget.
Tell them why the library is important to you, your family, and your neighbors, as well as how the proposed cuts will impact you and your community.
Contact State Representatives by April 9th.
Representative Jodi Salvo
614-466-8035
Speaker of the House Matt Huffman
614-466-6344