Libraries in danger

By WARREN DILLAWAY - Staff Writer
Star Beacon

June 21, 2009 11:45 pm

— Area library directors held an emergency meeting Sunday to map out a strategy after learning of a possible $100 million cut to libraries from the state.
The potential cut was announced Friday at 4 p.m. when Gov. Ted Strickland put forth a plan to reduce funding by 50 percent from last year.
The library directors said they are already operating at a 20 percent reduction from last year and another 30 percent will be trimmed if the governor’s proposal is approved as part of the two year state budget scheduled to be voted on by the end of the month.
The directors are encouraging all their patrons to contact their legislators and Strickland to oppose the cuts.
“We were trying to respond in way to engage our patrons,” said Kathleen Jozwiak of the Henderson Memorial Public Library in Jefferson.
She said each library has its own board but most are funded predominantly by state money. “Individual boards will have to make the decision on what to do,” Jozwiak said.
“I understand the position the state is in. We can take our lumps along with everyone else but it can’t be 50 percent,” Jozwiak said.
“I was sick to my stomach. It is unbelievable,” said Kathy Pape of the Conneaut Public Library.
“It’s devastating, absolutely devastating,” Pape said.
Pape said the cuts are coming as the needs of patrons increase.. She said the library is being used more than ever for many purposes including access to the Internet and job search information.
“The library reaches all walks of life,” Pape said.
She said some libraries would survive but not in the way they are presently constituted.
“In all honesty it would mean some libraries would close,” Pape said.
Jozwiak said several libraries have small levies to help support their work but most are completely dependent on state money.
Library directors Nancy Shinkle of Rock Creek Public Library, Joe Zappitello of Harbor-Topky Memorial Library in Ashtabula, Mariana Branch of the Kingsville Public Library and Susan Hill of the Andover Public Library joined Jozwiak and Pape Sunday in urging patrons to contact State Rep. Deborah Newcomb and State Sen. Capri Cafaro.
The proposed budget cut would go into effect July 1 if the proposal remains intact in the two-year state budget presently on the table.
Newcomb,(D-Conneaut, said she is sympathetic to the plight of the libraries but the budget problems are severe.
“We’ve discussed a number of options for the $3.2 billion hole in the budget. We’ve got limited options so you have to tighten your budget and cut where you can,” Newcomb said.
She said she is aware it comes at a terrible time as more people are using libraries to fill educational and recreational options.
She said the General Assembly still has to vote on the governor’s proposal to raise hundreds of millions of dollars through slot machines at seven Ohio race tracks.
“Some of these cuts are going to be painful,” Newcomb said.