Mary P. Shelton Library

UPDATE: We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our patrons for their active support of the Brown County Public Libraries. Your continued assistance during this dynamic situation is greatly appreciated. Additionally we would like to thank the state legislators who have publicly shown support for Ohio libraries by agreeing to do their best to honor their commitment to support public libraries with 2.22% of the state's tax revenue.

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Governor Strickland's proposal to counteract a state budget shortfall includes cuts to libraries of $227.3 million statewide; or an approximately 50% reduction in library funding Lynda Murray of the Ohio Library Council states, "I do not believe that many of our library systems, especially those without local levies, can remain open with those cuts."

What does this mean for the Brown County Public Library? With more than 95% of the BCPL's funding coming directly from the state budget, the impact of such cuts will be drastic. Library Director Lynn Harden anticipates the impact at the county level to be proportionate with the cuts at the state level: "If Governor Strickland's proposal is approved and the new state budget takes effect on July 1st, the library must prepare to cut its budget in half during the last six months of the year. A 50% reductions means reducing to 2 or 3 days of service per week, or completely closing one or two branches. Half of our staff - about 15 people - would lose their jobs or face such reductions that they would lose the benefits (health insurance) that are vital to their families."

Our libraries are critical to our communities, providing free education and entertainment resources such as books, movies, computers and the Internet, as well as free programs for all ages. During this time of economic uncertainty, the library is especially critical to job seekers.

The current state budget proposal cannot be allowed to stand; now is the time to make your voice heard. Contact Governor Strickland. Contact Senator Niehaus. Contact Representative Bubp. With only days until these budget cuts are approved - the vote on the new state budget takes place by June 30th - the Brown County Public Library needs your help!

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Contact Information:

State Representative: Danny R. Bubp
Phone: (614) 644-6034
e-mail: district88@ohr.state.oh.us

State Senator: Tom Niehaus
Phone: (614)466-8082
e-mail: SD14@senate.state.oh.us

Governor: Ted Strickland
Phone: (614) 466-3555
e-mail (Press Secretary): amanda.wurst@governor.ohio.gov