Protect Public Library Funding in Ohio

How Are Public Libraries Funded?

Currently, public libraries receive funding from the state through the Public Library Fund (PLF). Each month, the PLF receives 1.7% of the state’s total tax revenue received during the previous month in the General Revenue Fund (GRF). State tax revenue that goes into the GRF comes from multiple sources, including the state personal income tax, sales and use tax, business taxes, etc. Therefore, state funding for public libraries ebbs and flows with state revenues. The percentage of funding dedicated to public libraries will be automatically reduced to 1.66% on July 1, 2017.

Common Questions on Library Funding

Did You Know?

  • More than 8.7 million Ohioans are library cardholders.
  • Ohio’s public libraries provide nearly $2.7 billion in direct economic value to Ohio residents.
  • Ohio has the highest library use per capita in the United States.

Public Libraries…

  • Provide public access to the Internet, computers, and the latest technology (including mobile WiFi hotspots, 3-D printers, and more)
  • Help Ohioans find jobs with resume help and job search assistance
  • Offer literacy and homework help centers
  • Serve as a place for the community to gather
  • Provide life-long learning opportunities and programming for all ages
  • Offer well-rounded collections

Why State Funding?

ACCESS 

  • All Ohioans can use any public library in the state regardless of where they live.

EQUAL FUNDING 

  • Ensures that Ohio provides a high standard of library service to its citizens in ALL counties, regardless of economic factors.

INTERNET ACCESS 

  • The Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) is a state-funded service that provides Internet access to Ohioans via Ohio’s 251 public libraries.

 

Support Your Library