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Ohio’s Public Libraries Funding at Risk

Please contact your representatives before Wednesday, April 9.

With the Ohio House formally proposing a reduction of more than $100 million in public library funding over the next two years, the time to act is now. These cuts would directly impact services, programs, and access across Ohio—including right here in Muskingum County.

We are urging library supporters—patrons, staff, families, and community partners—to contact their state leaders and ask them to protect the Public Library Fund (PLF). Let them know how much your library means to you, and ask them to restore PLF funding to 1.75% of the General Revenue Fund.

Muskingum County residents rely on their library for far more than books. We offer learning opportunities, internet access, and engaging programs that support people at every stage of life—from early literacy to workforce development and beyond. In a rural community like ours, services like hotspot lending and digital access are critical tools for staying connected. We’re also working every day to improve literacy through tutoring, education, and outreach. If the proposed funding changes go into effect, these essential services could be at risk—and that would be a real loss for our community.

Stacey Russell

Executive Director , Muskingum County Library System

Call to Action

The Muskingum County Library System urges library supporters to contact their local representatives and ask them to protect the Public Library Fund (PLF). Let them know how much your library means to you, and ask them to restore PLF funding to 1.75% of the General Revenue Fund.

Please contact your representatives before Wednesday, April 9.

If you live in Muskingum County please contact both:

Speaker of the House Matt Huffman
 Phone: 614.466.6344
 Email: rep78@ohiohouse.gov

AND

Representative Adam Holmes (District 97 – Muskingum County)
 Phone: 614.644.6014
 Email: rep97@ohiohouse.gov

Talking points:

  • Don’t cut Ohio’s public libraries
  • Ask them to restore the Public Library Fund to 1.75%.
  • Don’t cut my library—share what your library means to you. Personal stories help legislators understand libraries’ daily impact on our communities —whether it’s early childhood literacy programs and materials, job search support, senior services, tax assistance, or summer reading.

Now more than ever, your voice can make a difference!

If you live outside Muskingum County, you can find your state representative’s contact information by visiting www.ohiohouse.gov and entering your home address.

Find Your State Representatives

Additional Information

The Ohio House of Representatives has introduced its version of the state budget—and it includes major cuts to public library funding across the state.

The proposal would eliminate the Public Library Fund (PLF) as it currently exists in state law, moving it to a general funding line item that could be more easily reduced in future budgets.

“Ohio’s public libraries already saw a $27 million loss in 2024 compared to 2023,” said Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council. “That leaves us funded at the same level we were 25 years ago.”

PLF Funding Breakdown:

  • 2023 (Calendar Year): $510.18 million

  • 2024 (Calendar Year): $483.3 million

  • 2024 (Fiscal Year): $489.3 million

  • 2025 (Fiscal Year): $530 million*
    *Estimate from Ohio Office of Budget and Management

Proposed Library Funding Under Substitute House Bill 96:

  • 2026 (Fiscal Year): $485 million

  • 2027 (Fiscal Year): $495 million

By Comparison, Governor DeWine’s Proposal Includes:

  • 2026 (Fiscal Year): $531.7 million

  • 2027 (Fiscal Year): $549.1 million

If the House plan moves forward, it would result in over $100 million less in library funding over the next two years than the Governor’s budget—and could lead to reductions for many public libraries as early as July 1.

“Ohio’s public libraries have partnered with the state for nearly 100 years,” Francis said. “Funding cuts of this size could seriously damage the vital services our communities depend on.”

Local Impact: Muskingum County Library System

In 2024, the Muskingum County Library System (MCLS) made a big impact across our community:

  • 214,000+ visitors

  • 40,000+ active cardholders

  • 1,474 events with 31,767 attendees

  • 523,318 items checked out, including 144,548 digital downloads

  • 272,552 website visits

  • 138,692 social media engagements

  • 67,134 Wi-Fi sessions and 17,375 public computer sessions

  • 53,649 uses of online research tools

  • 2,630 Summer Reading Challenge participants, logging 2.5 million minutes of reading

These numbers reflect more than just library use—they show the library’s essential role in literacy, education, digital access, and community support.

Libraries Matter Across Ohio

  • In 2023, Ohioans made 44.6 million visits to public libraries

  • That’s the same as 434 sold-out Buckeye football games at Ohio Stadium

“Ohioans love and rely on their public libraries,” said Francis. “This funding cut is not in the best interest of our communities.”