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Libraries would accelerate program cuts if Strickland’s proposal passes

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By Lynn Hulsey, Staff Writer Updated 9:58 PM Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Library officials say they understand they need to bear a share of the pain of state budget cuts, but what has them in fight mode is a proposal by Gov. Ted Strickland to reduce funding by 50 percent for the rest of the year.

“I’m overwhelmed. I don’t really understand why the governor couldn’t just cut everyone, all state agencies 5 percent and balance his budget that way,” said Rachelle Miller, director of the Troy-Miami County Public Library. “Instead he has to raid public library funding.”

Strickland proposed a 30 percent cut on top of the 20 percent reduction in state funding that has already occurred for this year as part of his effort to cover a $3.2 billion revenue shortfall for 2010-2011. A legislative conference committee is considering the proposal.

Librarians are especially outraged that the reduction would come as libraries are experiencing big leaps in usage during the recession as people turn to them to research and apply for jobs on the internet, write resumes, and borrow materials they cannot afford to buy.

Most are seeing 25 percent increase in library usage in recent years and a great demand for internet resources.

“Right now libraries are really working hard to help people through the tough economic times by providing free internet access, we had a resume workshop, people can type their resume, use job hunting sites,” said Ann Snively, director of the Wright Memorial Public Library in Oakwood. “The thought of us not being here to provide that really is hard to imagine.”

Most libraries have already cut materials budgets, and that would accelerate if Strickland’s proposal winds up in the budget. They expect they’d have to cut special offerings, like youth reading programs and outreach to the elderly, along with the basics.

“We would have to reduce our hours of service fairly dramatically. We would not be able to purchase materials at anything close to the level that people have become accustomed to,” said Karl Colón, director of the Greene County Public Library. “In time there would undoubtedly be staff layoffs.”

Tim Kambitsch, Dayton Metro Library Director, said branch closings are possible, and cuts in hours of operation very likely. Some library’s systems, including Greene County, Dayton Metro, Wright Memorial and Washington-Centerville have local tax levies supplementing state funding. But those without any local revenue will feel a greater sting.

“We are already operating a two building system on a one-building level of revenue,” said Anita Carroll, library director of the Franklin-Springboro Public Library.

She said closing a building or not opening on certain days are options on the table. She said the library’s first property tax levy is likely to be on the November ballot. The Mary L. Cook Public Library in Waynesville is also considering a tax issue, having already weathered cuts in hours, staffing, materials and cancellation of all database subscriptions.

If the cuts occur it would be “catastrophic” for the small Waynesville library, said Linda Swartzel, director.

“It would be minimal hours and a skeleton crew most likely,” she said.

Dayton Metro will be asking voters for additional millage to replace a levy that expires in December.

“We are going to be so far behind that we may be on a collision course of asking for an increase in millage, but being forced to reduce services at the same time,” said Director Tim Kambitsch.

Libraries without local levies would be in the most danger of closing, although there is some question about the legality of a public library closing, said Lynda Murray, director of government and legal services for the Ohio Library Council.

State Rep. Clayton Luckie, D-Dayton, blamed previous Republican tax cuts for the current situation and said Strickland’s proposal is necessary to avoid new taxes.

State Sen. Jon Husted, R-Kettering, met with about 100 people at the Dayton Metro Library Miamisburg branch Tuesday afternoon and heard strong opposition to the cuts and concern about fairness. He said everyone will have to be a part of the state’s budget solution, but he said patrons made a “compelling” argument that the cuts were disproportionate.

“Believe me, every member of the legislature is hearing about that,” Husted said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7455 or lhulsey@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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