Libraries Rally For Funds
Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:33 AM
By Lot Tan
That's because rallies were held to fight proposed cuts in the state budget.
According to the organizers, public libraries around Ohio could see another 30 percent cut from their budgets, on top of a 20 percent cut already in place.
Gov. Ted Strickland's latest proposal would eliminate more than $200 million over two years from the public library fund.
"It will be impossible to operate with depleted funding," said Amy Banister of the Cincinnati Public Library.
Cincinnati library officials say if the cuts go through, up to 20 of the 40 branches would be forced to close. That also means at least 250 workers out of a job.
Cleveland Public Library Director Felton Thomas said the cuts would force some of their district's libraries to close and others to reduce hours.
"Very sad, not only for me but these kids, they love the library. We put books on hold and come get them come to the library twice a week love reading program." said Jill Krabacher, who opposes the cuts.
While rallies highlight the importance of libraries, other programs that may not get as much support like the Help Me Grow program are just as important, reported ONN's Lot Tan.
Supporters of the Help Me Grow Program have attended social service rallies at the statehouse, but nothing of the same magnitude that the single library issue has drawn around the state.
Executive Director Patty Eber says the Help Me grow program faces $57 million in cuts. The program helps families of all incomes with young children where coordinators make home visits.
"I consider this unbelievable that thousands, 1,600 in Hamilton County, all these families services are going to stop," said Eber.
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