Ohio Library Council

10/13/2026

The Ohio Capital Journal recently examined local library levies on the November 3 ballot and the funding challenges facing public libraries across Ohio.

As Ohio Library Council (OLC) Executive Director Michelle Francis explained in the article, local funding is critical to library operations.

“Depending on the library system, the levy may make up 40% of their revenue or more in some cases, so it’s very important and critical,” Francis said.

Libraries, like families and other organizations, are also facing rising costs.

“It’s one of those things, and just like families, entities, and other organizations, libraries have been hit with inflationary costs as well,” Francis noted.

At the same time, changes to the Public Library Fund (PLF) in the last state budget have made local support increasingly important for many library systems. These financial pressures can affect the resources, programs, and services libraries provide to their communities.

Public libraries continue to be valued by Ohioans across the political spectrum. A poll conducted earlier this year found that 90% of Ohio voters surveyed consider public libraries important to their communities. Support extended across party lines, with 83% of Republicans, 85% of independents, and 93% of Democrats saying they believe they receive their money’s worth for the taxes they pay.

Our libraries serve people of all ages and backgrounds, supporting education, workforce development, civic engagement, and lifelong learning. Understanding the funding that sustains these services is an important part of understanding the role libraries play in communities throughout Ohio.

Read the full article by Susan Tebben in the Ohio Capital Journal to learn more about the 16 library levies on the ballot and the challenges facing all of Ohio’s public libraries. The link is in the comments. You can also find the list of library levies on the OLC website.

10/09/2026

Join us in congratulating Steve Haynie, manager of the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, and recipient of the OLC's 2026 Service Excellence Award!

From welcoming patrons with a smile to creating meaningful community partnerships, Steve exemplifies what customer service in libraries is all about.

Check out this great article highlighting Steve's passion for serving his community and making everyone feel welcome. You can find the link to the story in the comments below. 😉

10/08/2026

Ready to make the most of the 2026 OLC Convention & Expo? The OLC Events app is LIVE!

If you’re registered, your Convention & Expo planning just got a whole lot easier. With the app, you can:

🗓️ Plan your sessions
⭐ Build your daily schedule
📍 Keep track of everything happening at the event
📄 Access speaker handouts as they become available

📲 Get the app
Search “Ohio Library Council Events” in the App Store or Google Play. Then, sign in using the email address you used to register for the Convention & Expo.

We're looking forward to seeing you at Kalahari! 🎉

10/07/2026

Ohio's public libraries are doing a LOT more than checking out books.

Ohio is No. 1 in the nation for library circulation, but here’s the bigger story - the real return on investment is measured in people.

It’s the person who gains a new skill.
The job seeker who finds employment.
The student who gets the technology they need.
The entrepreneur who gets connected to resources.
The neighbor who finds community.
The Ohioan who gets the opportunity to build a better future.

As Jason Kucsma, executive director of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, puts it:

“Your return on investment isn’t just about how we circulate books. It’s about how the library helps people work, learn, connect, and participate in our community and our economy.”

That’s the ROI of libraries. And that impact is happening in communities across Ohio every day. 💙

Ohio’s public libraries aren’t just places to borrow books. They’re workforce partners. Learning centers. Community hubs. Economic engines. And investments in Ohio’s future.

Watch the library's press conference outside the new Washington Branch and read more about the economic impact in The Blade at https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/10/06/community-leaders-celebrate-economic-impact-toledo-library-system/stories/20261006078

10/06/2026

Ohioans know libraries matter and the numbers prove it!

Thank you to The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County for highlighting our voter poll results showing that 90% of Ohioans say libraries are important to their community.

As PLYMC Director and CEO Aimee Fifarek shared, “People recognize that libraries provide real value.”

And, we couldn't agree more. Ohio’s public libraries are essential community partners, and Ohioans know it.

Read the full story from WFMJ by clicking the link in the comments below. 😉

10/05/2026

A partnership between the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum is bringing stories of service and gratitude to the community.

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum has opened its fifth Service in Action nook at Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Dublin Branch, creating a space where people of all ages can learn about the experiences of veterans and find ways to put service into action themselves.

The story below shows students from Indian Run Elementary School creating “thank you” letters. Their cards will be shared with veterans receiving treatment and care at a local health and rehabilitation center.

The nook also invites visitors to explore veteran stories, browse books focused on veterans and service, and write their own messages of appreciation. You can find the link to the story in the comments below. 🇺🇸

10/02/2026

What happens when libraries and food banks team up? Kids fuel their minds and bodies, and communities get stronger.

Ohio’s public libraries are places where people connect with information, resources and each other. That’s why partnerships with food banks are making such a meaningful difference across the state.

The Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library is once again teaming up with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to help provide free food to children in the community.

It’s another great example of how libraries are more than places to find a good book, they’re trusted community hubs that connect people with the resources they need.

Read more about the partnership in today's The News-Herald. You can find the link to the story in the comments. 😉

10/01/2026

Who’s heading to the 2026 OLC Convention & Expo?!

The countdown is on! The 2026 OLC Convention & Expo is coming October 21–23 to the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky, and there’s still time to register online.

⏰ Online registration closes next Wednesday, October 7!

Professional development, networking, library friends … and hopefully a few sunsets like this one.

Who’s joining us?

Check the OLC website for registration, schedules, hotel information, and all the Convention & Expo details.

The colorful building in this photo is of the Merry-Go-Round Museum, where we’ll be gathering for our evening event on Thursday!

09/29/2026

A quick Facebook update from the Ohio Library Council.

We've loved using Facebook to share the amazing work happening in libraries across Ohio. But Facebook has recently changed its rules for Pages like ours.

We now have a limit of just 2 posts per month that include an outside link. That means we can no longer share our daily highlights like we have done in the past. We're disappointed by the change, but we're adapting!

To make sure you don't miss the latest from OLC, keep an eye on our website and email communications. Thank you for following and supporting Ohio's public libraries. 💙

09/28/2026

When your library book haul requires luggage … you’re doing it right!

Books will take you places! Even if it's back to the Library for more 😉 We love when families grab piles of books to enjoy at home!