Yesterday I braved the heat and made my way to the library with a book that I found… four months overdue. It had been misplaced and hidden by other books. I found it about a week ago and placed it at the top of the stairs so that I would remember to take it back to the library. But Library Guilt made me ignore it for awhile. Finally, as I knew the boys were jonesing for some new books, I sucked it up and made my way to the library.
As I entered the building, I noticed a bright pink sign on the door. I stopped to read it.
The Governor has proposed a 30% reduction in Ohio library funding. This is in addition to the 15-20% reduction we are experiencing due to the slow down in tax revenues.
The Guernsey County Library will not be able to operate as we are with an approximate 50% reduction in our funding.
Please call Jennifer Garrison at 1-614-644-8728 and Jimmy Stewart at 1-614-466-8076 and request no more cuts in library funding.
Blinking, I entered the library and made my way to the desk with my overdue book and fine money in hand. One of the librarians handed me my receipt and the same paper that was hanging on the front door, informing me that I could also email my Representative. To be fair, I had not heard the news as FireDad and I had a lovely weekend together and, therefore, did not have the news on at all. After I picked up fifteen books for the boys and one book for me, I went to checkout my selections. A different librarian went on to discuss how sad the issue really is for our library system. I promised to call, to email. I did. I will.
And here, I blog.
We love our local library. Not only do they have a wide selection of books for the kids but they also have a great selection of books for me, for FireDad, for other adults like us who love to read. They also provide story time classes for all ages, infants through school age. Our library is also connected to about twenty other libraries and, as such, I can get just about any book (or movie or CD or what-have-you) that I need or desire. What happens to my reading when that is no longer available? I would choose to add books to my boys’ library over my own if it came down to it. Using the library as we do allows for borrowing and purchasing without breaking the bank. What happens when borrowing isn’t an option?
One of my first thoughts was of my friend Judy, a librarian (and blogger and mom and wife and cancer-butt-kicker, just to name a few more things). I asked for her opinion on the matter. I love having smart friends. She gave me this fabulous blog-bite to get minds rolling about why this is so important.
“These cuts will most likely close branches and libraries, shut down important library programs, reduce funding for library collections, and possibly create layoffs. At a time when people are trying to stretch their own budgets for necessary items, we need libraries to remain a vital source for them for information, books, and programs for all ages, races, and income levels. Libraries have been one place where the “playing field,” so to speak, has been level. If Strickland’s budget passes, it is very likely that the libraries that will be hit first will be the poorer and/or rural libraries. Let’s keep the playing field level for those who need it most.”
As a citizen of a city who is kind of small, kind of rural, I really don’t want for my library to close. I know I’ll make sure that new books enter my kids’ library even if something awful does happen but, trust me, not everyone in this area will have that same luxury should the doors close. Our library is needed. Just believe me.
All hope is not lost. (Or, so I have to believe.) The Ohio Library Council has created a Save Our Libraries campaign. On that page, they provide the information for how to contact your local representatives to voice your opinion and concern over this proposed cut. And the Ohio Library Council isn’t stupid; they’re asking citizens to use social media (Facebook and Twitter) to spread the word to other Ohioans. (Seriously though? That made me smile even though this whole thing makes me want to cry. I love when organizations get the power of social networking.)
What can you do? (You being an Ohio citizen?) Locate your State Representative and/or Senator and voice your concerns. Let yourself be heard. Don’t forget to contact Governor Strickland while you’re at it and (politely) tell him what your local library means to your family and your community.
Governor Ted Strickland
614-466-3555
Online Contact Form
Post a message on Governor Strickland’s Facebook page.
Then, post on your own Facebook page and your twitter: I contacted my elected officials to help save Ohio libraries and you should too. Find out more: http://www.saveohiolibraries.com.
And then? Blog about it. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Email your local friends. If you know of a local blog, contact them to have them write about it. Talk about it in your churches, at your group meetings and in your workplaces. Contact your local library and ask what you can do to help. (Pass out flyers? Do a video blog segment? Something? Anything?)
There are certain fights worth fighting. Fighting for our libraries, our books and, in essence, our children seems like a worthy fight. Let our state know that our libraries make a difference to our families, our communities and our children. Trust me, I know. There’s no money. Anywhere in the state. I have two passions when it comes to funding: my husband’s job and books. I’ll fight this fight.
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[If you are not from Ohio, could you please simply pass this on to someone you know who might be? Or Stumble it? Word needs to get out. Imagine if this was your library.]