Politics & Government

Demand for Library Service Continues, State Funding Cuts Imminent

Cuts coming are unknown, but libraries across Northeast Ohio are bracing for potential setbacks.

Gov. John Kasich's , released last week, would continue cutting state public library funding by 5 percent in 2012 and 2013. 

On a local level, at the , Marketing and Public Relations Manager Ann Malthaner said no action will be taken at the library until July when the governor's budget is finalized in July.

Right now, cuts aren't being considered, but Malthaner said "demand for our programs and services continues to rise as the public uses our computers and computer classes to increase their digital literacy skills."

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And, instead of paying for entertainment, "Families come in for and check out our books, DVDs and music CDs instead of paying to go out," she said.

Statewide, Kasich's proposal could mean a loss of more than $160 million during the next two years.

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"Our usage is increasing even though our public library funding is decreasing," Malthaner said.

Even if the library sees cuts, the local community is supporting its library with a 2-mill continuous levy, which was passed in May 2010.

The levy will generate $1,972,105, which will be spent on the library's operating costs. The continuous levy replaced a 1-mill five-year levy that expired.


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