We need your help. Ask Governor DeWine to trust parents to make the right decisions regarding what their children read.
The Conference Committee for the state budget issued their final report on Wednesday, June 25. Once both the House and Senate approve the final budget, it will be delivered to Governor DeWine for signing. Prior to signing, the governor will have the opportunity to make line-item vetoes.
Unfortunately, the state budget (House Bill 96) still contains language that attempts to control how libraries handle certain materials. This is unnecessary. Pickaway County Library already has thoughtful policies in place that empower parents and guardians to guide their children’s reading choices. Libraries do not act in loco parentis, which means we trust parents to make these decisions for their own families, rather than acting in their place and limiting their powers of choice. The language in the bill is also overly broad and vague and will be difficult, if not impossible, to apply consistently and fairly to our collection.
Furthermore, carrying out the provisions outlined in the budget will present a significant cost to Pickaway County Library. House Bill 96 does not include any funding to assist with auditing, relabeling, and moving materials, meaning that the provisions are an unfunded mandate. Some libraries have estimated this could require an additional $3.1 million in expenses for just a single library system. Others have projected at least 6 years for their staff to review existing materials to ensure compliance, and possibly closing off entire sections of the library to individuals under 18. This would prove especially difficult for Pickaway County Library locations due to our open floor plans.
This provision has no financial impact on the state’s balance sheet, yet it would force local libraries to spend millions of dollars and years of staff time complying with an unfunded, unconstitutional mandate. This dangerous overreach undermines intellectual freedom and punishes the very institutions that provide safe and open spaces for Ohioans of all ages.
We are asking you to use your voice for Ohio libraries TODAY and respectfully urge Governor DeWine to veto this provision related to library materials.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Governor Mike DeWine
Call: (614) 466-3555
Email: https://governor.ohio.gov/contact
Please contact the Governor's office ONLY. The deadline to act is Monday, June 30.