Funding for public libraries across Ohio is at risk after Ohio House Bill 96, the state operating budget, proposes to significantly diminish the Public Library Fund.
In the budget draft passed in the House, public library systems would receive a budget cut of over $100 million, according to a press release from Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin).
Despite Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposal to increase the PLF from 1.7% to 1.75% of the tax revenue collected in the state’s General Revenue Fund, the House opted to fund libraries through direct General Revenue Fund appropriation.
According to the Ohio Library Council, the House amended the budget to include $490 million in library funding for FY 2026 and $500 million for FY 2027. However, it still falls $90.8 million short of the funding level recommended by DeWine..
Nick Tepe, director of Athens County Public Libraries, said the change could undermine libraries’ ability to receive reliable funding.
If approved by the Ohio Senate and DeWine, the new budget would take effect July 1.
Currently, Ohio’s public libraries are among the highest ranked in the nation.
In 2011, the Institute of Museum and Library Services ranked Ohio’s libraries in the top five in several different categories, including the number of library visits, registered borrowers and total operating revenue per capita.
Tepe attributed this success to the library funds that have been protected by the PLF.
“Honestly, it really does come back to that strong, stable, long-standing statewide support from the state budget,” Tepe said. “On the state level, that allows Ohio public libraries to work together in ways that libraries in other states have a much harder time doing.”
Currently, the PLF covers about 50% of the budget of public libraries, Tepe said. He said if these funds are cut, some libraries will likely close, and many others will not be able to offer the same resources they currently do.
The budget change comes at a time when many students are struggling to meet reading proficiency standards. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, average reading scores for students in fourth and eighth grade significantly decreased from 2022 to 2024.
Somani claimed decreasing library funds will only exacerbate this problem and target vulnerable groups.
“Public libraries are the backbone of strong communities,” Somani wrote in a press release. “They provide critical resources to everyone, all the way from our seniors to our youngest children … Slashing their funding is a direct attack on every single Ohioan, and it will unfortunately disproportionately affect the most vulnerable areas of our state.”
Tepe also emphasized how important public libraries are to rural communities, specifically.
“Our libraries are absolutely the beating heart of their communities, particularly in smaller communities around Athens County,” Tepe said. “Libraries are one of the few remaining public places that are open and staffed throughout the week, where you can come and get the information and resources that you need, regardless of your ability to pay, regardless of your educational background, regardless of your cultural background.”
Aside from book and movie rentals, Tepe noted how many resources public libraries provide, including internet access, technology assistance, assistance applying for jobs and internships and a safe place for people of all ages to learn and find entertainment.
Bayleigh Lower, a junior studying English, highlighted how much her local library meant to her as a kid.
“From a young age, I loved going (to my public library),” Lower said. “It kind of sparked my motivation for learning and reading, and I know it’s been a really good community builder in my small town.”
Lower also said library programs encouraged her to read more.
“I did the (summer reading programs) every year,” Lower said. “I loved putting stickers every time I met a mile mark. I didn’t even care about the prize, I just liked to see my progress. I like to read as much as I can, and it really just started from there.”
Tepe encouraged those who want to support their public libraries to speak to their state representatives, contact their local libraries and librarians to ask what they need and share how they value their public library with anyone they can.
