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Winter/Spring 2017
Volume 25, Issue 1
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE: LIBRARY FUNDING
We are very appreciative for the support we receive for the Sandusky Library from every one of our patrons through all sources of library revenue: state funding, local property tax, and donations to Sandusky Library. We could not provide the current level of service without your support. I want to share an update on the current status of funding for Ohio’s public libraries. At the state level, we are fortunate to have funding through the Public Library Fund (PLF) which receives a percentage of the state’s tax revenues from the state’s General Revenue Fund (GRF). Revenue sources for the state GRF include the state personal income tax, sales and use tax, business taxes, and the like. The PLF is currently set at 1.7% of the state GRF. This percentage was set forth in the last biennial budget as a temporary measure. The PLF will automatically be reduced to 1.66% on July 1, 2017 if no other action is taken. This change will cut state funding for Ohio’s public libraries. Sandusky Library relies on state funding for half (49.7%) of its income. The Ohio Library Council (OLC) is working with Ohio’s public libraries to educate members of the Ohio General Assembly on the status of our state funding. We know that Ohioans value their public libraries and public libraries create opportunities and transform lives. We will be working with the OLC during the next several months to protect state funding for Ohio’s public libraries. I will keep you posted with updates as we work through this process. It is truly a pleasure to serve the Sandusky area community with residents of Sandusky, Perkins, Margaretta, and Kelleys Island. Thank you again for your support! Molly Carver, Executive Director
EARLY LITERACY PARTNERSHIPS with Sandusky Library
Welcome Baby
Sandusky Library’s Welcome Baby program provides books to newborns at Firelands Regional Medical Center. Each child receives a first book to take home. Parents are given information about the importance of reading at an early age with information about services and programs available at the Library. Rotary Club of Sandusky partners with the Library to fund this project with a matching grant from Rotary International District 6600 and local club sponsorship. Rotarians provide volunteer assistance and hospital staff distribute the books.
Imagination Library
Imagination Library, launched by the Dolly Parton Foundation, delivers books to preschool children. One book is mailed each month to each registered child up to age 5. Kiwanis Club of Sandusky coordinates and funds this project with donations from local foundations and charities, and Erie County Community Foundation acts as its fiscal agent. Sandusky Library provides administrative assistance and maintains registration of local participants. Registration forms are available at the Library or you can register online at www.imaginationlibrary.com.
Sandusky Library...giving all people opportunities to enrich their lives.