Funding Ohio’s libraries

Did you know: Ohio’s libraries have the highest circulation, computer usage, volume of materials, and patron traffic per capita in the country. That’s one of the highlights of the Ohio Library Council‘s white paper: “Ohio Public Libraries: Open to All”. The white paper includes quite a bit of interesting information about the history and funding of Ohio’s 251 public library systems.

This is interesting background reading in light of the upcoming change of command in the Ohio governor’s office. At the end of the year, Strickland (D) will pass the torch over to Kasich (R), who will then try his hand at dealing with the state’s budget situation. I’m not political enough to offer any speculation on what this might involve or what its impact will be to already-hurting libraries. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.