Thank You!
and Funding Update
[ 04|09|2025 ]
Dear Friends,
I want to thank each of you who contacted your state representative on behalf of funding for Ohio’s public libraries and provide an update on Substitute House Bill 96.
On Wednesday, the Ohio House submitted their final budget proposal, Substitute House Bill (HB) 96. While it falls short of Governor DeWine’s funding proposal for libraries, some important concessions were made to hold funding near 2024 levels. The bill as submitted would mean libraries will receive less funding in 2026 and 2027 than they did in 2023, but the loss is less than previously proposed last week. This is a direct impact of your advocacy.
For more information, please read the Ohio Library Council's press release about Substitute House Bill (HB) 96.
At this time, HB 96 goes to the Ohio Senate, where they will spend the next couple of months hashing out their own version of a budget proposal.
I will continue to keep you updated about next steps in the budget process. Your efforts made a big difference. Legislators around the state reported being swarmed with calls and emails, and the impact of those calls was palpable in Columbus on Tuesday when we visited with both Rep. Andrea White and state Sen. Willis Blackshear to advocate for our funding. Rep. White, who serves most of Oakwood, was a strong advocate on behalf of Ohio’s public library funding.
Thank you again for being a champion of Wright Library.
Sincerely, Kristi Hale Wright Library Director
[ 04|02|2025 ]
Tell the Ohio House: Don’t Cut Funding to Ohio Libraries!
To our valued patrons and supporters:
This message is a departure from our usual communications to you.
Ohio’s libraries, including Wright Library, are facing an unprecedented cut to state library funding, and we need your help.
The situation: $100 million in Ohio public library funding is at risk.
On April 1, the Ohio House of Representatives departed from Gov. DeWine’s priorities and proposed a two-year budget that would fundamentally change how public libraries are funded in Ohio. The House budget proposal would reduce state funding for Ohio’s public libraries by more than $100 million over two years compared to Gov. DeWine’s proposal.
What can you do?
We need ALL library patrons and supporters to act now. Here's how.
House representatives will be making final budget recommendations in the next few days, so please email or call House Speaker Matt Huffman and your state representative TODAY (or no later than Wednesday, April 9):
- Ask them not to cut Ohio's public library funding.
- Share your personal story about why the library matters to you.
- Urge them to restore the Public Library Fund to Gov. DeWine's budget proposal of 1.75%.
State Representative Contact Information
House Speaker Matt Huffman: rep78@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 466-6344
Oakwood’s State Representative Andrea White: rep36@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 644-6008
For those residing outside of Oakwood, find your Representative using this District Map.
How does this impact you?
Ohio’s public libraries are strong because of funding provided by the Public Library Fund, a fund established by Ohio decades ago to ensure Ohio’s public libraries remain a governmental priority. The Public Library Fund makes up more than half of Ohio’s public library funding, including Wright Library’s funding, and is currently calculated as 1.7% of the state’s General Revenue Fund.
Wright Library uses the Public Library Fund for operations and building updates, as well as for books, resources, technology, programs, and services you rely on, including:
- Access to digital books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, newspapers, and databases
- One-on-one technology tutoring
- Job seeking support
- Afterschool programs for kids, tweens, and teens
- Early literacy programs that get young children ready for kindergarten
- Outreach programs to Oakwood’s senior living community and local preschools.
- Home delivery for those that cannot get to the library on their own
- Programs for seniors
- Free and reservable community meeting spaces
If passed, the House’s budget would force a reduction in Wright Library services that you and other community members rely on.
Additional background
Gov. DeWine's budget proposal reflects his belief in the importance and value of Ohio's public libraries, slightly increasing the Public Library Fund to 1.75 percent of the General Revenue Fund (currently set at 1.7 percent).
Unfortunately, the Ohio House of Representatives have departed from the Governor’s priorities and proposed a two-year budget that eliminates the Public Library Fund and replaces it with a line-item appropriation that represents a $100 million cut to library funding over two years compared to Governor DeWine’s budget.
The unprecedented elimination of the Public Library Fund comes at a time when libraries across the state have already seen a $27 million shortfall in state funding in 2024. In fact, Ohio’s public libraries are currently funded at the same level as in the year 2000, with no adjustment for inflation.
Again, now is the time to act.
Please email or call House Speaker Matt Huffman and your state representative TODAY (or no later than Wednesday April 9).
- Ask them not to cut Ohio's public library funding.
- Share your personal story about why the library matters to you.
- Urge them to restore the Public Library Fund to Gov. DeWine's budget proposal of 1.75%.
State Representative Contact Information
House Speaker Matt Huffman: rep78@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 466-6344
Oakwood’s State Representative Andrea White: rep36@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 644-6008
For those residing outside of Oakwood, find your Representative using this District Map.
Have questions? contact Library Director Kristi Hale at (937) 250-6824 or via this contact form.