According to Cain, branch libraries across the county will close, the bookmobile will cease operations, hours at the main library will be drastically reduced, library programs at daycare centers, preschools, schools, senior centers, and nursing homes will end, and the Homebound Program, which delivers library materials to elderly and handicapped residents who cannot visit a library, will be curtailed. Cutting library services would also impact the many schools in Scioto County that rely on the library to provide materials and services to students through the bookmobile, drop collections, and afterschool programs such as the Homework Help Center.
Cain also notes while many state funded programs and services are available to only those residents who meet eligibility requirements such as age, income, and other criteria, public library services are equally available to all Ohio residents. Since libraries are funded by dollars from state tax revenues, funding has already dwindled due to the decline in state tax revenue. Libraries across the state report that usage has gone up as the economy has gone down. “The Governor’s proposal would effectively close many of Ohio’s public libraries at a time when our services are most needed by residents,” said Cain.
The public is invited to show its support at a “Save Your Portsmouth Public Library” rally Wednesday, June 24, at 1 p.m. on the front lawn of the main branch in Portsmouth.
This proposal is Governor Strickland’s proposal and the Conference Committee of the General Assembly will need to consider this proposal. They have 11 days to complete their work on the budget, therefore Cain urges residents of Scioto County to stand up for their public library by contacting Governor Strickland, Representative Todd Book, and Senator Tom Niehaus, and ask them to not reduce funding for Ohio’s public libraries.
Addresses are as follows:
• Gov. Ted Strickland; Riffe Center, 30th Floor, 77 South High Street; Columbus, OH 43215-6108, Phone: (614) 466-3555, Online: http://governor.ohio.gov/Assistance/ContacttheGovernor/tabid/150/Default.aspx.
• Representative Todd Book; 77 S. High St; 11th Floor; Columbus, OH 43215-6111, Phone: (614) 466-2124, Email: district89@ohr.state.oh.us.
• Senator Tom Niehaus; Senate Building; Room #220, Second Floor; Columbus, Ohio 43215, Phone: (614) 466-8082, Email: SD14@senate.state.oh.us.
Jenny Lavender
Publicity/Program Coordinator
Portsmouth Public Library
Portsmouth
I am very concerned about the proposed State budget cuts that could lead to the closing of Scioto County libraries. Our communities greatly depend on the services provided by the libraries, from the availability of reading materials, to the computer services, to the many, varied youth programs. As a patron, I have enjoyed countless hours of reading, attended guest speakers and concerts, and I'm currently brushing up on my computer skills by attending the free classes -- I'm even learning how to make a Web page. Our main Portsmouth branch is a show place, one of the last surviving Carnegie libraries in the nation, of which we can be very proud. But most of all, our young people need a safe, mentally stimulating environment where they can enhance their education and development. Libraries provide the key to life-long learning, and we in Scioto County rely on libraries as a place to educate ourselves about our world. Let's tell our leaders how valuable the Scioto County libraries are to all of us.
Respectfully submitted,
Joni L. Fearing, M.Div.
Portsmouth