Library backers protest cutbacks

By Marc Kovac

One lawmaker has received 28,000 e-mails on the library-cuts topic.

COLUMBUS — Library supporters continued their efforts to persuade lawmakers and Gov. Ted Strickland to restore funding in the biennial budget.

More than 100 people, some from as far away as Cleveland and Dayton, rallied on the steps of the Statehouse on Thursday, holding signs and shouting loud enough that state senators, in session just inside, could hear.

“We have already faced 20 percent in budget cuts just from the reduction in state revenue,” said Jennifer Lawson, who works at a Columbus area library and who helped lead the rally.

“They are already closing doors in some situations. They are already reducing hours, reducing staff. They’re cutting back on material they’re buying.”

She added, “The additional cuts will absolutely devastate libraries. We cannot let that happen.”

Groups have swamped lawmakers and Strickland in recent days over plans announced late last week to slash library funding.

Rep. Ted Celeste, a Democrat from Columbus who attended the rally, said he has received some 28,000 e-mail messages the past couple of days on the topic.

Rally speakers talked about the importance of their local libraries and the services they offer.

Lawson said residents are increasingly turning to libraries for assistance in searching for work.

And families look to the library for puppet shows, reading programs and other special events as they cut back on vacations and other summer spending, the speakers added.

“We are so busy right now with people coming in using our services,” Lawson said. “Cutting hours, cutting services, we won’t have this.”

mkovac@dixcom.com

LIBRARY FORUM

Proposed cuts

State Rep. Tom Letson of Warren, D-64th, will host a town-hall meeting with constituents and discuss legislative issues including the proposed cuts to Ohio public libraries.

When: 2 to 3 p.m. today.

Where: Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, 444 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren.

Source: Rep. Letson