To the Editor,
Libraries are magical. They allow you to step back in time, leap into the future and explore the people, culture and countries of the world. Whether small or large, libraries are essential to a community’s well-being and quality of life.
Ohio has the second-largest library network in the United States and is widely lauded as the country’s #1 library system. That is a due in part to the partnership public libraries have shared with the state to deliver services at the local level for nearly 100 years.
Despite at-home access to online resources, the demand for library services and programs grows each year. Ohioans love and use their public libraries.
Last year, total circulation (electronic and print) at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County (PLMVKC) was 392,438. Weekly visits averaged 6,488.
Ohio library funding is in jeopardy. Your help is needed to save Ohio’s libraries. Gov. DeWine recently raised the Public Library Fund (PLF) to 1.75% of the General Revenue Fund in his state budget proposal for fiscal year 26-27.
That’s good news, but the House wants to makes the PLF a line item which destabilizes library budgets.
On behalf of the PLMVKC Board of Trustees, we ask area residents to let their voices be heard.
Please contact your Ohio representative as well as Matt Huffman, Speaker of the House, at rep78@ohiohouse.gov or 614-466-6344. Let the Speaker and those in office know how much you value, support and use your public library.
Ohio’s public libraries experienced a $27 million loss in state funding in calendar year 2024 as compared to 2023. That means libraries were funded at the same level they were 25 years ago while library usage and operational costs increased.
Fortunately, Knox County voters approved a library levy several years ago to help defray rising expenses; however, half of PLMVKC’s funding comes from the PLF and is needed to keep library hours and services at the current level.
Education is at the heart of all public libraries. If you haven’t been in a public library in several years, please visit and be amazed at the variety of services offered for free. In addition to books, magazines, newspapers and movies, the PLMVKC provides computer access, tax filing assistance, educational programs, cultural events, craft and historical programs, author visits and a popular summer reading program for young
children, teens and adults.
Public libraries allow everyone free and equal access to knowledge and learning. It was Benjamin Franklin who said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
Please tell your legislators why you feel public library support is critical by sharing your first-hand stories before the legislators vote June 12 on Ohio’s budget.
Ellen Robinson
Mount Vernon, Ohio
President, PLMVKC Board of Trustees