Libraries fight state budget proposal

By DREW STAMBAUGH

Enterprise News Editor

Swanton Public Library funding for the 2009 calendar could be reduced by over $100,000 if a proposal by Governor Ted Strickland is approved.

Ohio libraries are threatened by revenue reductions in two separate ways, according to Swanton Public Library Director Linda Slaninka.

"The first reduction comes from the decline in state revenue," she said. "Since public libraries operate on a percentage of state tax revenue, and that revenue is currently declining at a rate of 19.8 percent and is expected to drop further, library funding drops by the same percentage. The second, and most damaging, is an additional reduction proposed by Governor Strickland. This reduction would simply slash an additional 30 percent of the Public Library Fund (PLF) over the next two years."

Funding for the Swanton library in 2009 would drop an estimated $116,922, she added.

The Swanton Public Library levy passed in November was initiated to bridge the funding cap caused by the 19.8 percent decrease and statewide funding reductions since 2001.

"We are extremely grateful for the yes votes. Many libraries in Ohio rely strictly on the PLF for funding and will not have any cushion if this budget passes," Slaninka said. "The levy is expected to generate $100,000 in revenue per year for five years. Unfortunately, it is not enough to offset the projected 50 percent cuts in state funds and the increased costs that we are now experiencing for materials, utilities, building repairs and personnel."

Strickland has proposed cuts totaling $2.4 billion in an effort to erase a $3.2 billion state budget deficit.

"The governor has been very clear that the balanced budget framework is a starting point, not an ending point," Strickland spokeswoman Amanda Wurst said Wednesday. "These are very difficult times. It would be extraordinary if interest groups were not advocating on behalf of their constituencies."

Library advocates, mental health advocates and others have voiced their opposition to the proposals.

"The grassroots movement to save our libraries has been phenomenal. The Governor's office and our legislators report an unprecedented number of people contacting their offices in support of libraries," said Slaninka. "Swanton Library is asking everyone to support this effort with e-mails or phone calls opposing the 50 percent Public Library Funds reduction."

Slaninka believes libraries are being asked to cut more then their fair share.

"Libraries realize that we still have a huge hole in the state budget and other organizations and programs that we all care about are also experiencing cuts," Slaninka said. "We can and will shoulder our share of the budget cut burden, and we do that through our funding formula which will reduce us by at least 20 percent in 2009. The governor's additional 30 percent proposal is way beyond our fair share."

The Swanton library director says that in these tough economic times, libraries are especially important and seeing increased usage.

"More individuals are looking to their libraries for help with job searching, referral services and free computer access, as well as free entertainment and educational programming and resources," said Slaninka. "Libraries have open hours that meet the public need when it comes to providing tax forms, voter registration, HEAP forms and many other services. All of these services would be devastated by these cuts. Ohio libraries are an important piece of the solution to this economic crisis."

With approval of the budget, the cuts would go into effect on Wednesday, July 1.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.