Public libraries are essential to education and economic recovery in Ohio. 

The Heights Library works hard to meet the needs of its users: we offer resources to help job seekers, classes to improve computer skills, after school programs for kids and teens, Summer Reading programs and homework help during the school year. Of course, we also have books, the latest DVDs, music and other recreational material. In short, libraries make a difference in the lives of our residents and we are busier than ever.

Governor Strickland’s proposed budget will cut the Public Library Fund (PLF) by 30 percent, this on top of the 20 percent reduction already in place this year. This proposal will cut Heights Libraries’ funding by one third. That will be devastating.

Director Nancy Levin says if this happens, everything is on the table: reducing library hours, staff reductions, a freeze on purchasing new materials, eliminating programs and computer classes, outreach – all are vulnerable.

The Library urges citizens to contact Governor Strickland and members of the Budget Conference Committee and tell them not to try to balance the budget on the backs of public libraries.

Please act now – there’s no time to waste!

Governor Ted Strickland  http://www.governor.ohio.gov

Conference Committee members:

Senate

Dale Miller  SD23@maild.sen.state.oh.us

John Carey  SD17@senate.state.oh.us

Mark Wagoner  SD02@senate.state.oh.us

House

Vernon Sykes  district44@ohr.state.oh.us

Jay Goyal  district73@ohr.state.oh.us

Ron Armstutz   distrtict03@ohr.state.oh.us

Also

State Senator Shirley Smith  senatorsmith@maild.sen.state.oh.us

State Representative Barbara Boyd   district09@ohr.state.oh.us