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Cuts expected at Tallmadge library

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The more than $200,000 million in cuts to Ohio libraries proposed by Gov. Ted Strickland will result in a dramatic reduction in the purchase of books, CDs, DVDs and other library materials; reduced hours of public service, which will result in reduced access to meeting rooms and Internet computers; and reduced programs offered to all age groups.

by Tim Troglen

Reporter

"It's very, very scary."

That's how Mackenzie Betts, a spokesperson for the Ohio Library Council, described a proposed $2.4 billion cut in spending announced by Gov. Ted Strickland June 19, which would include more than $200 million in cuts for Ohio's 251 library systems over the next two years.

Strickland said the state cuts -- including $112 million in fiscal year 2010 -- are needed to fill a $3.2 billion "additional budget gap by the end of the month" in the state's $54 billion budget.

David Jennings, director of the Akron-Summit County Public Library, said the 18-branch system -- which includes the Tallmadge Branch Library -- would see an estimated loss of $6 million per year -- or about 25 percent of its operating budget. The library receives about $11.5 million from a 1.4 mill property tax levy and last year received $14 million from the state. The levy expires in 2010.

Jennings said to deal with such extreme cuts, "our library system, including the Tallmadge Branch Library, will see a dramatic reduction in the purchase of books, CDs, DVDs and other library materials; reduced hours of public service, which will result in reduced access to meeting rooms and Internet computers; and reduced programs offered to all age groups."

"The proposed cuts to the public library fund would be devastating," he said. "This would effect our entire operation."

Jennings said the library purchased $4.2 million worth of books, CDs, DVDs and other materials last year.

Jennings said it was too early to discuss possible layoffs among the districts' 450 employees.

According to Strickland's Press Secretary Amanda Wurst, the "budget framework" will be considered by the Ohio Legislature.

Wurst said the proposed cuts are "in line" with what other government-funded agencies are seeing.

"Nearly every state government program will absorb a cut," she said June 22.

According to Betts, director of communications for the Ohio Library Council, the governor has proposed reducing library funding by at least 47 percent in fiscal year 2010 and 45 percent in fiscal year 2011.

Betts said because of reduced tax revenue, the libraries were already expecting a 20 percent decrease in funding over last year.

Betts said 70 percent of the public libraries in Ohio rely "solely on the public library fund with no additional levy money."

"They are going to be hurt the worst," she said.

Betts said the cuts, which could go into effect as soon as July 1, could mean a reduction in hours the libraries are open as well as the possible closure of branches.

And the timing could not be worse.

Betts said local libraries are seeing double-digit increases in people coming in not only for books, but to apply for jobs online and taking classes on subjects such as job placement.

"Some places require applicants to apply online and the only place they can do that is at the public library because they cannot afford Internet service at home, " she said. "People are really in need of that assistance."

During the June 19 budget presentation, Strickland said the cuts are needed to keep from raising taxes, saying he plans on reducing government spending by $640 million while allowing video lottery terminals at Ohio's seven race tracks.

"Our libraries have been slashing their budgets for months to find ways to maintain library services with a 20 percent reduction in state dollars," said Scott Shafer, president of the Ohio Library Council and director of the Lima Public Library. "Reductions of this magnitude will force libraries to close completely, close branches, and/or drastically cut hours and services -- beginning July 1."

For more information or to express concern for the cuts, contact State Rep. Brian G. Williams at 614-644-5085 or State Sen. Kevin Coughlin at 614-466-4823 or Strickland's office at 614-466-3555.

Editor's note: Reporter Amanda Harnocz contributed to this story.

E-mail: ttroglen@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3146