A new chapter for libraries

A new chapter for libraries

Decreases in state fund- ing have overstayed their welcome in the public library system. The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has been working on a plan for the past seven years to live within its means while improving library services for all community members.

Over the years, funding cuts to Ohio’s public libraries have greatly affected the community. All libraries in the area lost state funds at an alarming rate and in May and September of 2009, many staff members unjustly lost their jobs. Our public library system in Mahoning County was faced with a steady erosion of funds between 2001 and 2009. Each year, the library lost about $1.8 million in state funding. Although the circulation statistics steadily increased and approximately 480,000 hours were recorded for public access computers, that still wasn’t enough evidence to prove the library needed more funding.

In 2004, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County announced a seven-year plan called Library 2011 geared to enhance library services. This plan intended to strengthen the library systems and will now help it survive the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 5, which calls for yet another 5 percent cut to public libraries. The growing need of public access to books and the Internet suggests improving the function of the library will greatly benefit the community in the long run.

The Strategic Planning Steering Committee prioritized five issues that are addressed in the plan. They include financial stability, service infrastructure, meeting community needs, staff development and civic responsibility.

Mayor Jay Williams expressed approval of the city’s commitment to Mahoning County libraries and their importance to the city. Improving library functions demonstrates the library’s dedication to the city’s future, he said.

Public libraries have a great impact on all members of the community. Not only is it depended on as a valuable resource, it also promotes learning and a love of literature. Uselessly cutting back on the amount of library hours left community members feeling like a page of their favorite book has been torn out.

With expanded hours restored this month thanks to community passage of a tax levy in November and the determination of the “Library 2011” plan, public libraries throughout the community will turn the page on a limited past and look forward to a promising future.

Kelli Carney, Austintown