Thank you for making your voices heard

The Ohio Library Council extends its 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.

House budget still falls short of Governor DeWine’s funding proposal for libraries

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 Governor DeWine over the biennium.

Please 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 OLC's press release.

Senate works on budget

Substitute House Bill 96 is now in the Ohio Senate, where lawmakers will craft 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.

The OLC is urging the Senate to restore the Public Library Fund (PLF) to 1.75% of the General Revenue Fund, consistent with Governor DeWine’s executive budget proposal.

We’ll reach out again if public support is needed

At this time, we are not asking library patrons to take action. However, we have encouraged library directors, fiscal officers and trustees to reach out to their state senators to discuss the changes made by the Ohio House and the impact on the Public Library Fund.

Thank you again for standing up for Ohio’s public libraries. Together, we’re making a difference.

Please check back for updates or visit olc.org/government-relations/state-budget.