Columbus Metropolitan Library United

07/08/2026

"We have worked so hard and we believe in this so much. We know this is what we need to make Columbus Metropolitan Library a place that is really open to all." — Jude Virostko, Librarian at CML's South High Branch speaking to Gracie Collins, NBC4

Columbus library workers vote to unionize

07/07/2026

We won our union vote!

We stood together, across different branches and different job titles, because we know that CML is a stronger library system for our communities when workers have a voice.

Thank you to all our patrons and neighbors who supported our union!

COLUMBUS — A strong majority of staff at Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) voted to form their union, CML United, according to secret ballot election results released today by Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board (SERB). The results showed that 86% of valid ballots voted in favor of the uni...

06/26/2026

CML workers across every branch are sending our ballots in and checking in with co-workers to make sure they've received their ballot from SERB.

Tuesday June 30th is the last day to vote! If you're mailing your ballot in, make sure it is postmarked June 30th or earlier. If you don't receive your ballot (or replacement ballot) in time to mail your vote in, you can still vote in person at SERB's office.

If you have any questions about voting, email our Organizing Committee at: [email protected]

06/17/2026

Voting has started! We are doing this!

About 600 workers are eligible to vote in the ballot-by-mail election through June 30.

06/11/2026

More coverage from Matter on Columbus Metropolitan Library's "egregious" union-busting.

We're excited to vote for our union (voting starts next week!) CML is sowing the seeds of distrust to try and weaken our unity and solidarity -- it won't work!

The coming vote is set to take place amid what council member Rob Dorans called ‘some of the most egregious union busting’ he has ever witnessed during a weekend rally at Franklin Park Amphitheater.

06/08/2026

Listen to Jude (Adult Services Librarian at the South High Branch), Nancy (Information Services Specialist at the Whitehall Branch), and Rahaf (Customer Services Specialist at the Martin Luther King) speak about why they're organizing with CML United! Thank you again to everyone who joined us last night at our community solidarity rally!

06/08/2026

"We've got a strong super majority, I am completely confident that we are going to win our election," — Megan Sheeran, librarian

"The most important thing is creating a voice that has teeth," — Blaine Vance, youth engagement specialist

Thank you 10TV - WBNS for covering our community rally last night!

The organizing campaign, CML United, rallied supporters Sunday evening at Franklin Park.

06/08/2026

Thank you to all of our community supporters for coming out tonight to rally with us as we get ready for our union vote! Big thanks to and for joining us and standing with us against CML's union busting campaign. It was especially great to see so many members of other unions, including members of , Grandview Heights Public Library United, Upper Arlington Public Library United Staff, and other library unions who have supported us every step of the way!

06/01/2026

After months of waiting, our union election is finally just around the corner, and we’re rallying to celebrate our union and get out the vote for our election. Please join us at the Franklin Park Amphitheater at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, for this joyous event!

RSVP:
https://actionnetwork.org/events/rally-for-cml-united/

05/28/2026

"Some of the most brazen attempts at union busting I have seen in the public sector."

Thank you to Columbus City Councilmember Rob Dorans for contacting our Board of Trustees President to make sure that she and the Board were fully aware of the extent of Columbus Metropolitan Library's union-busting!

Excerpts from his letter:
"It has come to my attention that in the past several months CML leadership has ignored Columbus City Council’s request to remain neutral during the SERB election process. I recently met with CEO Hagan in an attempt to engage in productive dialogue regarding the communications sent to staff members, which in my opinion has strong anti-union messaging. Unfortunately, CEO Hagan made clear that she believed these anti-union communications were necessary and that they would continue throughout the SERB election process. That is why I am reaching out to you today to implore you and the Board of Trustees to address this issue with CML leadership. …

In my discussion with CEO Hagan, she asserted that CML is merely sharing information with workers. Again, while some of this information is factual in nature, the topics selected are clearly structured in a manner to dissuade workers from voting in favor of forming a union. Meanwhile, other materials contained some of the most brazen attempts at union busting I have seen in the public sector. CML’s front line workers deserve better from their leadership."