Thank You for Making Your Voices Heard
The Cardington-Lincoln Public Library and the Ohio Library Council extend our heartfelt thanks to the tens of thousands of Ohioans who took the time to contact their state representatives and share the powerful, personal stories of how public libraries have made a difference in their lives.
Library Funding Update
The Ohio House amended the state budget to include $490 million in library funding for FY 2026 and $500 million for FY 2027. While we appreciate the House's efforts to adjust the funding proposal, it’s important to recognize that this allocation still falls $90.8 million short of the funding level recommended by the Governor DeWine over the biennium.
See the Appropriations Spreadsheet from the Legislative Service Commission.
Additionally, the Ohio House changed how library funding is allocated. Instead of receiving 1.7% of the state’s General Revenue Fund (GRF)—as established in permanent law—the Public Library Fund (PLF) would become a line-item appropriation. This change could put future library funding at greater risk, as line-item appropriations are more vulnerable to elimination.
For more information, read our press release.
What’s Next?
Substitute House Bill 96 will now move to the Ohio Senate, where lawmakers will begin shaping their version of the budget. The Ohio Library Council remains committed to working closely with the Senate and all members of the legislature to secure the support our public libraries need to continue enriching the lives of Ohioans across the state.
We’ll reach out again if your support is needed.
Thank you again for standing up for Ohio’s public libraries. Together, we’re making a difference.