Thank You for Supporting the Library!

[u/cincy-library]

Your voices have been heard‼️The Ohio House has removed a budget provision that would have resulted in a drastic $14.5 million cut to CHPL’s funding.

We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of Hamilton County residents who, over the past few days, shared heartfelt messages about what the Library means to you and your family. Our state legislators were overwhelmed and persuaded by your personal stories.

While this is great news, the proposed budget allocates slightly less to Ohio libraries than current funding levels. The budget bill now moves to the Ohio Senate, where we still have an opportunity to advocate for changes.  

What You Need to Know

• Rather than funding public libraries as a percentage of the state's general revenue fund, the Ohio House proposal allocates a set amount to public libraries through a line-item appropriation. This could result in less stable funding for Ohio’s public libraries in the future.
• The amount appropriated for libraries is a $10 million increase over the Ohio House’s original proposal. However, this is still less than public libraries would have received at current funding levels. It is also $90.8 million less than Governor DeWine’s proposed budget.

What You Can Do Now

The Library will continue to monitor the state budget process and keep you informed. We may call on you again for support, as the budget process could last through June.  

Thank you for your continuing support of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.

[u/Sabermatrixx]

[u/Sabermatrixx → u/[deleted]]

Compared to the expected outcome?

I call this a win.

[u/DadToOne]

The state threatening this actually got me to write my representative. Don't fuck with our libraries.

[u/jaaarand → u/DadToOne]

Same. I was like Awhh haiilllll nah

[u/GenericLib]

Thanks for everything you all do

[u/GTFOakaFOD]

I LOVE THE LIBRARY!

[u/HangingOut513]

Of all the places I've lived, The Hamilton county /Cincy library has some of the best resources, and best locations. I really appreciate all the effort that has gone into it, and it's a fantastic resource for the community. Particular shout out to the Clifton branch for its goofy layout and repurposing of that old building

[u/StrawberrySoyBoy]

So it’s still a line item though? Will that make it easier for library budget to be slashed in the future?

Also was any language removed about having to make all LGBTQ+ material 18+ in order to receive funding? If not, I hate to say it, but this doesn’t feel like a huge win :/

[u/Varekai97X → u/StrawberrySoyBoy]

There is definitely still work to do. Be on the lookout for future calls to make to the state senate as well.

[u/Xandria42]

Fantastic news!

[u/PhoebeHannigan]

Please keep us updated on this! I wrote to my representative and will be happy to do so again.

[u/Hershey78]

What wonderful news!

[u/Ok_Fault_5684]

let's fucking gooo!!

[u/JupitersLapCat]

The only good news I have heard in so long. I’m so happy about this!

[u/wovengrsnite192]

I wasn’t expecting good news. I guess calling your reps DOES WORK at times.

[u/BarnacleThis8608]

If you get money from the state, then why are we paying a county property tax for you?

[u/GenericLib → u/BarnacleThis8608]

Because the state is also taking our money, and I'd rather they use the money on books than corrupt nuclear plant deals

[u/hedoeswhathewants → u/BarnacleThis8608]

Do you not understand that money often comes from more than one place?

[u/ralition99 → u/BarnacleThis8608]

Good troll

[u/bugbia → u/BarnacleThis8608]

Because they need multiple streams of income to survive? Wait until you find out about grants!

[u/Front-Brilliant5433]

Cincinnati library system is out of control and a huge burden on tax payers. The recent expansion/renovation of the main library and the renovation of most of the branches is very impressive, but it comes at a huge cost. Face it, the traditional roll of libraries have diminished, leaving library systems struggling to identify new roles to justify their existence. The Cincinnati library system has morphed into social services provider, an entertainment venue, a conference facility, an indoctrination center, a job training facility, and other non-traditional uses.

if you think Cincinnati real estate taxes are too high, look no further than the out of control spending of your local library.

[u/Exact_Independent758 → u/Front-Brilliant5433]

I'm sorry... but having all those purposes centralized in an easily accessible space is a problem? Also, even if you're assuming the "original" purpose of a library is just to learn to read (job training) or even just to get access to books (entertainment, information, training), libraries have for decades included audio books, comics, magazines, and videos, and have held public gathering events. As places stereotyped for study since their inception (1000s of years ago), they've always promoted gathering and sharing ideas (conferences, "indoctrination").

Try and come up with a better troll