Updated 4/14/25:
Last Tuesday, April 8, was “Library Legislative Day” in Columbus, Ohio, and Stark Library’s Executive Director and CEO, Mary Ellen Icaza, along with Director of Branch Services, Jennifer Stencel, were in attendance. They met with legislators from the House to advocate for continued funding for all of Ohio’s libraries. The timing of Library Legislative Day was very significant given the proposed changes to the Public Library Fund, or PLF for short.
We want to thank each and every one of you who showed your #LibraryLove for Stark Library and contacted your legislators –
thousands of messages were received! Your voices were heard, and progress was made as the Ohio House adjusted their budget bill.
The House Finance Committee amended their proposed budget to an allocation of $490 million in library funds for the 2026 fiscal year and to $500 million for the 2027 fiscal year. We appreciate the House’s efforts to adjust their proposed funding; however, the current version of this bill still falls $90.8 million short of Governor DeWine’s recommended funding of 1.75% of the State’s budget.
Stay tuned for more updates as the budget moves through the Ohio State Senate.
Updated 4/04/25:
Did you know the Public Library Fund, or PLF for short, provides vital funding for all public libraries in Ohio? It does! With the PLF, libraries are able to offer storytimes, summer learning programs, give computer access, offer technology classes, provide workforce services, along with books and other materials that benefit everyone across our great state. We proudly serve our patrons every day and want to be able to KEEP PROVIDING you with the resources, programs, and services you have come to know and love. Right now, the PLF is at risk of being defunded but you can HELP US advocate for its restoration to what Governor DeWine initially proposed.
HOW CAN I HELP?
1. Contact Speaker of the House Matt Huffman TODAY and let him know why funding for Libraries is so close to your heart.
2. Contact your local legislators and share with them why you LOVE Stark Library.
Find the Ohio House Members Directory HERE
We are so very grateful for the community we serve and the support YOU show for all of our Libraries!