Library Legislative Day
Legislative Day is your day at the Statehouse.
It’s an opportunity for you to come to Columbus, meet with your legislators, and advocate on behalf of Ohio’s public libraries. The OLC will host morning briefings, displays in the Statehouse Rotunda, and lunch with legislators in the Statehouse Atrium.
Legislative Day falls within National Library Week (April 6-12, 2025). It’s the perfect time to share the essential work your library is doing!
Resources
Preparing for Legislative Day Webinar
(Presented on 3/27/25)
The recording and slide deck are available in the Member Info Hub.
Advocacy Tools and Templates
Utilize these tools to become a powerful advocate.
OLC Press Release - Ohio House Budget Reduces Public Library Funding by $100 Million
(April 2, 2025)
OLC's Letter to Speaker Huffman
(April 1, 2025)
Spreadsheet from the Legislative Budget Office of the Legislative Services Commission
Public library funding distribution comparison
Sample Press Release (Word doc)
For attendees to use after the event.
Social Media
Be sure to take photos and tag your legislators on social media. #OhioLibraryDay
Event Information
Registration Fee: Member $65*
*Individual members or staff of OLC institutional member libraries.
Registration Deadline: 4/1/25
Intended Audience: Library directors, fiscal officers, trustees and other members of library administration.
What's Included: Morning coffee, light refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Hotel Accommodations: A room block has been reserved at the Renaissance Columbus Hotel for $199/night (plus tax). Reserve your room online by Monday, March 17. Valet parking is available at the Renaissance for $45.00 overnight or $23.00 daily. All valet parking is based on availability.
Parking:
Even though the Statehouse does NOT open until 8 a.m., the Statehouse parking garage opens earlier and fills up quickly. If the Statehouse garage is full, nearby parking garages and surface lots are available.
Statehouse Security:
The Statehouse has special security measures in place. Be sure to allow extra time for possible security delays and review the Statehouse Security FAQ.
Agenda
8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Registration and Refreshments (Statehouse Atrium)
9 a.m.
The Honorable Governor Mike DeWine
9:15 a.m.
General Session
Legislative Briefing and Talking Points
Michelle Francis, Executive Director, OLC
Jay Smith, Director of Government and Legal Services, OLC
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Library Showcase (Statehouse Rotunda)
9:45 a.m.
The Honorable Gayle Manning, House Speaker Pro Tempore
10:15 a.m.
The Honorable Jerry Cirino, Senate Finance Chairman
10:45 a.m.
The Honorable Allison Russo, House Minority Leader
The Honorable Beth Liston, Senate Assistant Minority Whip
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
OLC Luncheon with Legislators
1 p.m.
House Committees and Individual Meetings