We recently sent you an urgent message to contact your State House Member about preserving the Public Library Fund by supporting the Governor’s proposal for library funding. In true library supporter fashion, you did just that!

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Tens of thousands of Ohioans wrote letters and emails and made phone calls to our House Members telling them why libraries are so important to them and their families.

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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.

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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.

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As the budget now moves to the Ohio Senate, we will continue advocating that the Public Library Fund maintain its current standing in law and that the Governor’s proposal of 1.75% of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund be restored. We will be in touch soon to let you know the best ways to advocate for how your tax dollars come back to your communities and are invested in services that you, your family, friends, and neighbors enjoy.