Dear Library Community,

Several of you have asked questions regarding how the State Library stands in the current budget scenario of the State.  There seems to be some confusion over our status, specifically whether we received cuts or increases.  The State Library of Ohio received a cut in the budget for FY2010/2011, including a $233,354 cut in State Library Operations.

However, overall the State Library budget appears to have increased because of several things: 1) increased spending authority, This is pass-through money; 2) the award of a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant which will allow the State Library to award grants to public libraries for purchase of public access computers; 3) increase in the rental amount given to Ohioana (which passes through our budget as a line item).   Because these items are added to our budget, the bottom line will look like an increase although this is not the case.

For those interested in more specifics, here is a breakdown of the numbers:

The FY 2009 budget (after all of the cuts through December 2008) listed in the Blue Book for the State Library was $21,825,573 (Please note: this amount does not include the reduction in April 2009).  The final amount for FY 2010 is $21,925,581.  This is an overall increase of $100,008.  This increase is due to

• new spending authority for the Gates Foundation grant (+$500,000),
• extra monies for Ohioana rent (+$3,744),
• a decrease in State Library Operations (-$233,354),
• a decrease for the Regional Library Systems (-$298,169),
• a decrease for the Library for the Blind (-$67,063),
• a decrease in federal spending authority (-$148,045) and
• an increase in spending authority for OPLIN (+$342,895).

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.  These are difficult times all the way around and please know that we are aware of the cuts and repercussions at all levels.  Please also know that the State Library remains committed to providing statewide library service.  I know that I speak for all at the State Library of Ohio and the State Library Board in recognizing the good work that is being done by Ohio libraries in spite of all this and thanking you all for your continued partnership in making statewide services available to all Ohioans.  None of this would be possible without you.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jo Budler, State Librarian

State Library of Ohio