The local public library system has been able to keep county residents turning pages despite state budget cuts in recent years.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich reduced funding to public libraries by almost 30 percent in 2009, said Lauren Miller, director of the Athens County Public Libraries, adding that the libraries have been able to maintain operations through support from local residents.
“We are holding steady since the 2009 budget cut was instilled on us,” Miller said. “At this time, the board of trustees has decided not to put a levy on the ballot.”
As of October, Athens County Public Libraries received about $1.4 million in funding from the state Public Library Fund for 2012, according to the Ohio Library Council website. That total is more than any other nearby county except for Washington County, which received $1.5 million.
In comparison, Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library in Vinton County receives the least amount of state funding — more than $280,000, according to the Ohio Library Council website.
Each Ohio county in receives funding based on a 1985 formula that has not changed since, said Lynda Murray, director of Government and Legal Services for the council.
“Although it’s a pretty complicated formula, it gives counties the same amount of money or same percentage of the whole that they got in previous years, plus if there are any additional funds,” Murray said. She added that there have not been any additional funds in many years.
The funds Athens County Public Libraries receive from the state are split between the seven branches based on branch needs, Miller said.
“We take a look at individual buildings and communities, and the upkeep of buildings is decided on what’s broken at that time,” she said.
Although circulation has increased because of the Athens County Public Libraries’ new digital library system, Miller said there are still issues in the area with limited transportation to public libraries and limited accessibility to the digital library.
“There are still many individuals and families who don’t have access to the Internet,” she said.
In the face of budget cuts, Miller said county resident donations of books, and money, are common and help the libraries stay open.
“You wouldn’t believe the amount of donations that that library receives,” Miller said.
Students benefit from the local libraries and utilize them to extend their studies, said Carl Martin, superintendent of the Athens City School District.
“Public libraries provide concentrated service at their location that cannot be duplicate elsewhere,” Martin said.
Libraries are important for literacy, access to information, and entertainment, especially in a region where many families and individuals do not have access to computers, Miller said.
“Residents can receive information at a public library free of charge,” Miller said. “I believe that the public library is one of the few places where democracy still exists.”
ls114509@ohiou.edu
