The OLC has put together a number of tools to help you become a powerful advocate for Ohio’s public libraries.

Advocacy

2026 Advocacy Calendar (PDF)
Month-by-month calendar of advocacy activities and ideas to use at your library throughout the year.

Library Legislative Day
Grassroots advocacy event in Columbus — March 18, 2026

Fact Sheets

• History of Library Funding in Ohio
• Frequently Asked Questions about Library Funding (PDF)

Legislative Contacts

• 136th General Assembly Directory (PDF)
• Find My District Tool (Search by address for Ohio House, Ohio Senate, and Congressional Districts)
• Ohio House of Representatives
• Ohio Senate
• Format for Legislative Office Visit (PDF)

Tools and Templates

• How Our Library is Funded & How Funds Are Spent (PDF)
  1. Fill in the form with your library’s financial information.
  2. Download “with your changes.”
  3. Save and print.
• Library Statistics Template (PDF)
  Customize with your library’s data.
• Who’s My Legislator? bookmark template (PDF)
  Customize these bookmarks with your legislators’ information and share them with your library customers.

Local Return on Investment Calculator

Local ROI Calculator (download Excel spreadsheet)
Within the document are four tabs:

1. Instructions on how to complete the calculator
2. Actual ROI Calculator
3. Explanation of what the ROI figures mean and how to utilize them; and
4. Notes on the pricing and cost assumptions.

NOTE: It is helpful to print the “Instructions” worksheet first and gather your information before entering the data.

More Facts:

• Ohioans made over 48 million public library visits last year, a total equal to 434 sold-out Buckeye football games.
• More than 60% of Ohioans are library cardholders.
• Unlike counties, cities and school districts, public libraries do not receive revenue from Ohio’s casinos.
• Not all public libraries have a local property tax levy. 48 public library systems rely on state funding through the PLF as their primary source of funding for day-to-day operations and providing services to their communities.
• 48% of the total funding for Ohio’s public libraries comes from the state through the Public Library Fund.
• Unlike schools and other local governments, public libraries do not receive state funding for facilities/buildings through the Capital Appropriations Bill. The only option is to utilize operating funds, pass a bond levy, or borrow extremely limited amounts of funds.

Highlight how your library:

• Supports children and families by offering literacy services, homework help, free tutoring, after-school programs, and summer enrichment.
• Bridges the digital divide by providing free public access to the internet, computers, and emerging technologies—including mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, 3D printers, and more.
• Strengthens Ohio’s workforce by helping residents find jobs and access online courses, career resources, and technology training.
• Serves as a community hub and a welcoming, trusted space where people can gather, connect, and engage.
• Partners with local organizations such as schools, food banks, and state and local government agencies to deliver essential services.
• Promotes lifelong learning through educational programs and enrichment opportunities for all ages.
• Provides personalized, one-on-one support to help individuals find reliable, unbiased information and connect with community resources.