#ohio libraries

Please, please, please, I need you to call or email Governor DeWine before the 30th of June and tell him to veto the provision of House Bill 96 that requires libraries to rearrange and reclassify materials related to sexual orientation and gender identity so that they are not readily accessible to people under the age of 18.

This bill has already been passed as a part of the state budget, but Governor DeWine has until June 30th to review and veto it, which is why you need to call or email his office asap!

Call the governor’s office at: 614-466-3555

Email the governor’s office via this web form: https://governor.ohio.gov/contact

The Columbus Metropolitan Library system has a great bit of info explaining more about what the provision is and why it’s bad:

This is the moment librarians have been afraid of.

Ohio Republicans want to reduce or eliminate our funds, effectively shutting down smaller libraries, and make funds from the state contingent on libraries keeping LGBTQ materials out of view of anyone under 18, effectively removing them from our shelves. If you live in Ohio, please please please call your reps.

Your libraries need your help.

This National Library Worker’s Week we highlight the critical role library workers and librarians play in our community! This year was unlike any other; with library workers adapting to changes due to the pandemic, providing creative alternatives and expanding resources. It has always been clear that our libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building. This National Library Worker’s Week we honor the dedication, expertise and hard work of all our library staff! 

Businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated and built over 2,500 libraries worldwide between 1883 and 1929. The state of Ohio is ranked fifth in the nation for its number of Carnegie libraries with Cincinnati originally boasting nine libraries total. Today, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library are still operating seven Carnegie branches. Our current Carnegie branches include: Avondale, Corryville, Hyde Park, Northside, Norwood, Price Hill and Walnut Hills. Cincinnati’s first Carnegie to open was Walnut Hills branch in 1906, with the others following soon after. Walnut Hills branch is currently part of Building the Next Generation Library plan and will see many updates including more square footage and greater accessibility. 

To see more updates on the Walnut Hills branch, check out https://bit.ly/3BFoPZl