The recently passed Ohio state budget brings both positive developments and funding challenges for public libraries.
We are pleased to share that Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a provision that would have required libraries to move materials related to sexual orientation or gender identity out of view of minors. This means EPL will continue to provide open access to all materials—supporting intellectual freedom and equal access for all patrons. Our planned renovations will also move forward without changes to layout, furniture, or collections.
However, the state budget also includes a reduction in the Public Library Fund (PLF), which is one of the main sources of our funding. The PLF will now be a fixed general line item for the next two years, resulting in a decrease in state support for EPL and other public libraries across Ohio.
Our leadership team is working on a plan to address these funding reductions while preserving the services, programs, and resources you depend on. We remain committed to serving the Euclid community with excellence.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We will share more information as it becomes available.