Please help save our libraries! (for all in Ohio)
URGENT ACTION NEEDED IMMEDIATELY
Legislators Need to Hear From Library Users and Supporters
June 22, 2009
On Friday Gov. Strickland announced plans to remove $227.3 million in funding to Ohio's public libraries in order to fund other budget priorities. State funding for Ohio's libraries would drop to nearly half of 2008 levels under his proposal. Losses to the Dayton Metro Library would be $2.3 million in 2009 and $4.7 million in 2010. The cut for this year would be in addition to the $4.1 million reduction the library is already facing for 2009.
"Cuts of this size would be absolutely devastating," said Tim Kambitsch, Executive Director of the Dayton Metro Library. "We are struggling to stay open with the cuts we have already absorbed. If passed, there will be deep cuts in hours, elimination of services to residents of every age, and the closing of some libraries. I urge everyone to contact Governor Strickland today (614-466-3555). Also contact your representatives in the Ohio House and Senate."
The governor's proposal must be approved by the Conference Committee of the Ohio Legislature, which is currently working out differences between the Senate and House budget bills. They have just days to get this done!
The proposed cuts come at a time when the library is experiencing recording-setting use. 2008 was the busiest year in Dayton Metro Library history and 2009 is on pace to exceed last year. In this tough economy, job hunters, families on a budget and kids needing help with school are depending on the library more than ever. If these cuts are approved, books, Internet service and programs will not be there for those who need them.
Let your State Senator and State Representative know what you think immediately!
Legislators need to hear:
* How important the library is to you, your family and your community.
* That Dayton Metro Library has already made deep cuts to offset the $4.1 million in funding reductions already received.
* You want them to share your concerns with Gov. Strickland and the legislators on the Conference Committee.
Thank you!
Tim Kambitsch
Executive Director
P.S. Please check www.daytonmetrolibrary.org for updates. Feel free to send copies of your correspondence and/or comments to us at contactweb@daytonmetrolibrary.org
House Members:
Name
Phone Number
Fax Number
Email
Seth Morgan
614-644-8051
614-719-3590
District36@ohr.state.oh.us
Peggy Lehner
614-644-6008
614-719-3591
District37@ohr.state.oh.us
Terry Blair
614-466-6504
614-719-6966
District38@ohr.state.oh.us
Clayton Luckie
614-466-1607
614-719-6967
District39@ohr.state.oh.us
Roland Winburn
614-466-2960
614-719-6940
District40@ohr.state.oh.us
Senate Members:
Name
Phone Number
Fax Number
Email
Fred Strahorn
614-466-6247
N/A
senatorstrahorn@maild.sen.state.oh.us
Jon Husted
614-466-4538
614-466-7662
SD06@senate.state.oh.us
*******************************************************************************
Please- I don't want to see our libraries closed or restricted. I and many others depend on the library for more than just books. Also my son works at one of the branches near where we live. He is the main source of income right now as I am not working. If he loses his job - he and I may both wind up on the street. :(
Legislators Need to Hear From Library Users and Supporters
June 22, 2009
On Friday Gov. Strickland announced plans to remove $227.3 million in funding to Ohio's public libraries in order to fund other budget priorities. State funding for Ohio's libraries would drop to nearly half of 2008 levels under his proposal. Losses to the Dayton Metro Library would be $2.3 million in 2009 and $4.7 million in 2010. The cut for this year would be in addition to the $4.1 million reduction the library is already facing for 2009.
"Cuts of this size would be absolutely devastating," said Tim Kambitsch, Executive Director of the Dayton Metro Library. "We are struggling to stay open with the cuts we have already absorbed. If passed, there will be deep cuts in hours, elimination of services to residents of every age, and the closing of some libraries. I urge everyone to contact Governor Strickland today (614-466-3555). Also contact your representatives in the Ohio House and Senate."
The governor's proposal must be approved by the Conference Committee of the Ohio Legislature, which is currently working out differences between the Senate and House budget bills. They have just days to get this done!
The proposed cuts come at a time when the library is experiencing recording-setting use. 2008 was the busiest year in Dayton Metro Library history and 2009 is on pace to exceed last year. In this tough economy, job hunters, families on a budget and kids needing help with school are depending on the library more than ever. If these cuts are approved, books, Internet service and programs will not be there for those who need them.
Let your State Senator and State Representative know what you think immediately!
Legislators need to hear:
* How important the library is to you, your family and your community.
* That Dayton Metro Library has already made deep cuts to offset the $4.1 million in funding reductions already received.
* You want them to share your concerns with Gov. Strickland and the legislators on the Conference Committee.
Thank you!
Tim Kambitsch
Executive Director
P.S. Please check www.daytonmetrolibrary.org for updates. Feel free to send copies of your correspondence and/or comments to us at contactweb@daytonmetrolibrary.org
House Members:
Name
Phone Number
Fax Number
Seth Morgan
614-644-8051
614-719-3590
District36@ohr.state.oh.us
Peggy Lehner
614-644-6008
614-719-3591
District37@ohr.state.oh.us
Terry Blair
614-466-6504
614-719-6966
District38@ohr.state.oh.us
Clayton Luckie
614-466-1607
614-719-6967
District39@ohr.state.oh.us
Roland Winburn
614-466-2960
614-719-6940
District40@ohr.state.oh.us
Senate Members:
Name
Phone Number
Fax Number
Fred Strahorn
614-466-6247
N/A
senatorstrahorn@maild.sen.state.oh.us
Jon Husted
614-466-4538
614-466-7662
SD06@senate.state.oh.us
*******************************************************************************
Please- I don't want to see our libraries closed or restricted. I and many others depend on the library for more than just books. Also my son works at one of the branches near where we live. He is the main source of income right now as I am not working. If he loses his job - he and I may both wind up on the street. :(