The Ohio House of Representatives has introduced its version of the state budget, which includes significant cuts to funding for Ohio’s public libraries. The substitute bill, unveiled in the House Finance Committee, proposes eliminating the Public Library Fund (PLF) in its current form under state law, placing library funding into a general line item that could be more vulnerable in future budgets.
“Ohio’s public libraries already experienced a $27 million loss in state funding in Calendar Year (CY) 2024 as compared to CY 2023. This resulted in libraries being funded at the same level they were 25 years ago,” said Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council.
Public Library Fund Allocations:
• 2023 Calendar Year: $510.18 million
• 2024 Calendar Year: $483.3 million
• 2024 Fiscal Year: $489.3 million
• 2025 Fiscal Year: $530 million*
*PLF Estimate from Ohio Office of Budget and Management
The House’s version of the budget would reduce funding to Ohio’s public libraries by more than $100 million over the next two years compared to the Governor’s proposal. A new funding distribution formula included in the bill would also result in reduced funding for many Ohio public libraries beginning July 1.
Under Substitute House Bill 96, the Ohio House proposes:
• 2026 Fiscal Year: $485 million
• 2027 Fiscal Year: $495 million
In contrast, Governor DeWine’s budget proposal includes:
• 2026 Fiscal Year: $531.7 million
• 2027 Fiscal Year: $549.1 million
“Ohio’s public libraries have had a partnership with the state to deliver services at the local level for almost 100 years, and that funding is now at risk. Public libraries serve all ages, and funding cuts of this magnitude could jeopardize the vital services that our communities rely on,” said Francis.
In 2024 alone, the Muskingum County Library System (MCLS) welcomed more than 214,000 visitors and supported over 40,000 active cardholders with access to materials, resources, and services. The library hosted 1,474 events, drawing a combined audience of 31,767 attendees—from storytimes and book clubs to educational workshops and community gatherings. At one storytime, a mother shared that activity packets from the library helped her son make significant progress toward being prepared for preschool.
MCLS also served the community far beyond library walls. Outreach staff visited neighborhoods where families often walk their children to school, where a mother recently expressed how grateful she was to access books for both her children. In South Zanesville, a customer needing help to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program turned to the library to print required documents—supporting another resident during a critical moment.
The library circulated 523,318 items in 2024, including 144,548 digital downloads of eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming content. The MCLS website saw 272,552 visits, while social media generated 138,692 engagements. Technology remained a vital service, with 67,134 Wi-Fi sessions and 17,375 public computer sessions providing reliable internet access for those who need it most.
Patrons also used the library’s research tools 53,649 times—for school projects, job searches, genealogy, and more.
During the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, 2,630 participants logged over 2.5 million minutes of reading—underscoring the library’s ongoing impact on literacy and lifelong learning across Muskingum County.
“Muskingum County residents rely on their library for far more than books. We offer learning opportunities, internet access, and engaging programs that support people at every stage of life—from early literacy to workforce development and beyond. In a rural community like ours, services like hotspot lending and digital access are critical tools for staying connected. We’re also working every day to improve literacy through tutoring, education, and outreach. If the proposed funding changes go into effect, these essential services could be at risk—and that would be a real loss for our community,” said Stacey Russell, Executive Director of the Muskingum County Library System.
“Ohioans love and use their public libraries. They visited their local libraries more than 44.6 million times in 2023. That is the equivalent of 434 sold-out Buckeye football games at Ohio Stadium (102,780 capacity). We are committed to ensuring that all Ohioans continue to receive the support they need from their public libraries – everyone from young children to senior citizens. This reduction in funding is not in the best interest of Ohioans,” said Francis.
With the Ohio House formally proposing a reduction of more than $100 million in public library funding over the next two years, the time to act is now. These cuts would directly impact services, programs, and access here in Muskingum County.
The Muskingum County Library System urges library supporters to contact their local representatives and ask them to protect the Public Library Fund (PLF). Let them know how much your library means to you, and ask them to restore PLF funding to 1.75% of the General Revenue Fund.
Please contact your representatives before Wednesday, April 9.
Speaker of the House Matt Huffman
Phone: 614.466.6344
Email: rep78@ohiohouse.gov
Representative Adam Holmes (District 97 – Muskingum County)
Phone: 614.644.6014
Email: rep97@ohiohouse.gov
Talking points:
- Don’t cut Ohio’s public libraries.
- Don’t cut my library—share what your library means to you. Personal stories resonate with legislators—whether it’s early childhood literacy, job search support, senior services, tax assistance, or summer reading.
- Ask them to restore the Public Library Fund to 1.75%.
Now more than ever, your voice can make a difference for your public libraries. For more information, please visit muskingumlibrary.org/hb96.
