The state operating budget for Fiscal Years (FY) 2024-2025 is moving quickly through the Senate process. Today, the OLC testified before the Ohio Senate Finance Committee and urged lawmakers to maintain funding for public libraries at a minimum of 1.7% of the state’s General Revenue Fund. OLC’s Executive Director Michelle Francis explained how libraries are essential to the communities they serve. She provided specific examples of what libraries did during the pandemic and what they continue to do today, such as expanding digital collections and providing internet access, homework help, and job search assistance.

Jay Smith, OLC’s Director of Government and Legal Services told lawmakers that the demand for library services is continuing to increase, and that keeping up with that growing demand is only possible with adequate state funding. He asked that the committee increase the PLF should the Senate make any reductions to the state’s General Revenue Fund. The testimony was covered live on the Ohio Channel (OLC testimony begins at :43 mark).  A transcript is available at libraryfunding.olc.org.