Reduction In State Funding Affecting Libraries Across Ohio

(ONN) – Tens of millions of dollars in budget cuts are hitting libraries across Ohio.

The cuts began last June, and reduced state funds sent to libraries by 25 million dollars.

The money was cut when lawmakers changed how libraries are funded.

It went from a percentage of the general revenue fund to a line-item appropriation in the state budget.

Libraries say the result means people will have to wait longer for some materials.

The Ohio Library Council, which represents Ohio’s public library systems, says it expects more libraries to place levies on the November ballot to make up for the lost money.