On Friday, June 19, Governor Ted Strickland announced plans to remove $213.4 million in funding to Ohio's public libraries in order to fund other budget priorities. The funding for Ohio's libraries would drop to half of 2008 levels under his proposal. The cost to the Dayton Metro Library would be $2.3 million in 2009 and $4.7 million in 2010. This cut would be in addition to the $4.1 million reduction the library is already facing due to the slow economy.
On Friday, June 26, Gov. Strickland announced that, despite thousands of calls and emails from library supporters across the state, he stands by the cuts he proposed.
On Monday, June 29, the Ohio legislature passed a continuing resolution and approved an interim budget to give themselves another week to work out an impasse over how to fill a $3.2 billion hole in the $54 billion budget. The budget process is now in the negotiation stage.
The impact of the proposed budget cuts would be devastating to the Dayton Metro Library, resulting in greatly reduced hours, a deep drop in services and a huge cut in the number of books and materials available. Branch closings are possible.
While we understand that cuts must be made in an effort to balance the budget, we feel strongly that the burden should not fall disproportionately on public libraries. In an economic downturn, individuals and families depend upon the materials and services at their public library more than ever. We have encouraged library supporters to contact the conference committee members to voice their support for maintaining adequate funding of Ohio’s libraries.
President of Senate: Bill Harris -
SD19@senate.state.oh.us
Speaker of the House: Armond Budish -
district08@ohr.state.oh.us
House Conferees:
| Name |
Phone Number |
Email |
| Vernon Sykes |
614-466-3100 |
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| Jay Goyal |
614-466-5802 |
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| Ron Amstutz |
614-466-1474 |
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Senate Conferees:
| Name |
Phone Number |
Email |
| John Carey |
614-466-8156 |
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| Mark Wagoner |
614-466-8060 |
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| Dale Miller |
614-466-5123 |
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We would like to hear what you think too. Please send your comments to
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.
The library's plight has garnered much media attention. Please click on the following links to see videos and stories about library funding cuts:
A complete listing of all of the Dayton Metro Library's news releases. (
details)
Give your business a competitive edge with the Dayton Metro Library!
The success of your business depends on how much you know; about your customers, the market, finances, taxes, and more. With the Dayton Metro library as your partner, the latest info is always ready.
Take advantage of these great programs and resources:
- Premium databases that give you information you can't find on Google. Check out Reference USA, a valuable resource that gives contact names, financial information, annual reports and more for millions of businesses. Other tools such as Morningstar, Newsbank National Newspapers, Legal Forms are among the many resources that are provided for free from the Dayton Metro Library. It's fast, free and convenient.
- Free workshops from SCORE counselors give you a chance to learn from successful business leaders with real world advice to share. The SCORE counselors are former business executives now volunteering to share their experience with new entrepreneurs. Topics covered include preparing a business plan, marketing, finances and more.
- Of course we have the latest business books and magazines with everything from business basics to the latest leadership techniques. You can also listen to many of the best titles on CD or audio cassette, so you can turn drive time into productive time.
Sandy Prell, our Business Specialist, is also available to give you personalized assistance using the library resources and getting the information you need to make your business a success. Contact her by
email or call 496-8910. (
details)
The Dayton Metro Library will be closed on the following days in 2009:
- Thursday, January 1st - New Year's Day
- Monday, January 19th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Monday, May 25th - Memorial Day
- Saturday, July 4th - Independence Day
- Monday, September 7th - Labor Day
- Thursday, November 26th - Thanksgiving
- Thursday, December 24th - Christmas Eve
- Friday, December 25th - Christmas Day
- Thursday, December 31st - New Year's Eve
- Friday, January 1st, 2010 - New Year's Day
In addition, the Main Library will be open on Sundays from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. through May 17th. Sunday hours will then cease for the summer months and begin again on Sunday, September 13th through the end of the year with the following exceptions:
- Sunday, April 12th - Easter Sunday
- Sunday, December 20th - Sunday before Christmas Day
- Sunday, December 27th - Sunday before New Year's Day
