Columbus – The Ohio House introduced its version of the state budget, which includes cuts to funding
for Ohio’s public libraries. The substitute bill introduced in the House Finance Committee proposes
eliminating the Public Library Fund (PLF) in current law at the state level as it exists today.
“Ohio’s public libraries already experienced a $27 million loss in state funding in Calendar Year (CY)
2024 as compared to CY 2023. This resulted in libraries being funded at the same level they were 25
years ago,” said Michelle Francis, executive director of the Ohio Library Council.
PLF CY 2023 $510.18 million
PLF CY 2024 $483.3 million
PLF FY 2024 $489.3 million
PLF FY 2025* $530 million
*PLF Estimate from Ohio Office of Budget and Management
The House’s version of the budget would reduce state funding for Ohio’s public libraries by more than
$100 million over the biennium as compared to the Governor’s proposal. In addition, the new
distribution formula would cut funding to public libraries in 39 counties on July 1.
Under Sub. House Bill 96, the Ohio House would allocate the following for public libraries:
- FY 2026 – $485 million
- FY 2027 – $495 million
In comparison, Governor DeWine’s proposed budget allocates the following to the PLF: - FY 2026 – $531.7 million
- FY 2027 – $549.1 million
“Ohio’s public libraries have had a partnership with the state to deliver services at the local level for
almost 100 years and that funding is now at risk. Public libraries serve all ages, and funding cuts of this
magnitude could jeopardize the vital services that our communities rely on,” said Francis.
“Ohioans love and use their public libraries. They visited their local libraries more than 44.6 million
times in 2023. That is the equivalent of 434 sold-out Buckeye football games at Ohio Stadium (102,780
capacity). We are committed to ensuring that all Ohioans continue to receive the support they need
from their public libraries – everyone from young children to senior citizens. This reduction in funding is
not in the best interest of Ohioans,” said Francis.