April 3, 2025
A Special Message for Library Patrons-
Hello,
I wanted to reach out to each of you to share that the Ohio House has just proposed changing how they fund libraries which will result in a 19.5% reduction in funds – costing Harrison County libraries $138,506 per year starting July 1, 2025.
Libraries have continued to be fiscally responsible. Libraries in 2024 are being funded by the state at the same level as they were in 2000 with no adjustments for inflation. Since then, our services have grown and the costs of our library resources and services have increased.
How does this impact you? We rely on funding from the state’s Public Library Fund to support not just operations and building maintenance, but the very books, library resources, programs, and services our communities rely on.
These include:
- Early Literacy Programs
- Digital Literacy efforts & Wi-Fi
- Programs at the Barr Community Center for Seniors
- eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies & books
- Story Hours & Summer Reading Programs
- Makerspace projects & programs
- Genealogy & Local History resources
- Databases for businesses & individuals
Eliminating the Public Library Fund and replacing it with the same level of funding that libraries received a quarter of a century ago is a threat to all library programs, materials, and services.
How can you help? Contact Speaker Huffman and Representative Don Jones TODAY. Tell them to restore the Public Library Fund to the amount set in the Governor’s proposed budget at 1.75% and share how important the library is to you and your family. Please share a story of how impactful the library is to you and how a cut to libraries would impact you and your neighbors.
Or phone 614-466-6344
Or phone 614-644-8728
We are proud to serve Harrison County and grateful for the support you show for our libraries. Thank you for acting today to help restore funding for the Puskarich Public Library System with its locations is Scio, Cadiz & Freeport.
With deepest gratitude,
Sandi Thompson
Director, Puskarich Public Library System
200 East Market St
Cadiz, OH 43907
740-942-2623
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