The OLC has put together a number of tools to help you become a powerful advocate for Ohio’s public libraries.

White Paper

• Restore the PLF White Paper (PDF)

Fact Sheets

• “Did You Know?” Fact Sheet (PDF)
• History of Library Funding in Ohio (PDF)
• Public Libraries and Workforce Development (PDF)
• Common Questions about Public Library Funding (PDF)

Legislative Contacts

• Find My Legislator – Ohio House and Senate
• Find your Legislative Network contact (PDF)
• Format for Legislative Office Visit (PDF)
• Contact Information and Social Media Accounts – 133rd General Assembly (PDF)

Tools and Templates

• Who’s My Legislator? bookmark template (PDF)
• How Our Library is Funded template (PDF)
• Library Statistics Template (PDF)
• Advocacy Webinar

Return on Investment

Local ROI Calculator (download Excel spreadsheet)
Within the document are four tabs: (1) Instructions on how to complete the calculator; (2) the Actual 2017 ROI Calculator; (3) an Explanation of what the ROI figures mean and how to utilize them; and (4) Notes on the pricing and cost assumptions.

NOTE: It is helpful to print the “Instructions” worksheet first and gather your information before entering the data.

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 and provide online educational courses.
• offer literacy and homework help for children.
• serve as the hub for their community and a place for people to gather.
• collaborate with private groups as well as state and local government entities to help deliver local services.
• provide life-long learning opportunities and programming for all ages.
• offer personalized, one-on-one support to find unbiased and well researched information as well as community resources.