Advocacy Tools for Libraries
The OLC has put together a number of tools to help you become a powerful advocate for Ohio’s public libraries.
Advocacy
libraryfunding.olc.org
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 state budget news, testimony, advocacy alerts, talking points and more.
2023 Advocacy Calendar (PDF)
Month-by-month calendar of advocacy activities and ideas to use at your library throughout the year.
Library Legislative Day
Grassroots advocacy event in Columbus.
Fact Sheets
- “Did You Know?” Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Digital Services available at Ohio’s Public Libraries (PDF)
- History of Library Funding in Ohio (PDF)
- FAQs about the Public Library Fund (PDF)
- Statewide ROI Report
Recent return on investment (ROI) study of Ohio’s public libraries and the economic benefit they provide to Ohio residents.
Legislative Contacts
- 135th General Assembly Legislative Directory (PDF)
- 135th General Assembly addresses and numbers (Excel file)
- Find My District Tool (Search by address for Ohio House, Ohio Senate, and Congressional Districts)
- Format for Legislative Office Visit (PDF)
Tools and Templates
- How Our Library is Funded template (PDF)
Customize with your library’s information. - Who’s My Legislator? bookmark template (PDF)
Personalize these bookmarks with your legislators’ information and share them with your library customers. - Library Statistics Template (PDF)
Personalize with your 2022 data.
Local Return on Investment Calculator
Local ROI Calculator (download Excel spreadsheet) – Updated for 2023!
Within the document are four tabs:
- Instructions on how to complete the calculator
- Actual ROI Calculator
- Explanation of what the ROI figures mean and how to utilize them; and
- 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. An instructional webinar is also available at olc.org/roi-calculator.
Key Messages
We are urging lawmakers to:
- Make public libraries a priority in the state budget (HB 33).
- Maintain PLF funding and set the permanent law language at a minimum of 1.7% of the state’s General Revenue Fund (GRF).
- Hold public libraries harmless from any additional reductions in state funding (HB 1).
More Facts:
- Unlike counties, cities and school districts, public libraries do not receive revenue from Ohio’s casinos.
- Not all public libraries have a local property tax levy. Forty-nine (49) public library systems rely on state funding through the PLF as their primary source of funding for day-to-day operations and providing services to their communities.
- More than half of the total funding for Ohio’s public libraries comes from the state through the PLF.
- Unlike schools and other local governments, public libraries do not receive state funding for facilities/buildings through the Capital Appropriations Bill. The only option is to utilize operating funds, pass a bond levy, or borrow extremely limited amounts of funds.
Highlight how your library:
- Offers literacy and homework help for children, including free tutoring, after-school programs and summer enrichment.
- Provides public access to the internet, computers and the latest technology, including mobile WiFi hotspots, tablets, 3-D printers, and more.
- Helps Ohioans find jobs and provide online educational courses and tech training.
- Serves as the hub for their community and a place for people to gather.
- Collaborates with private groups, food banks, and state and local government entities to help deliver local services.
- Provides life-long learning opportunities and programming for all ages.
- Offers personalized, one-on-one support to find unbiased and well researched information as well as community resources.
Recent Statewide Survey Results
- Urgent Facility Needs for Ohio’s Public Libraries (PDF)
- Ohio’s Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19 Crisis (PDF)
- Public Libraries Support Students, Parents, Entire Communities During Pandemic (PDF)