Despite looming cuts, Twinsburg Public Library receives highest ranking; circulation at an all-time high!

Although all libraries across the State are facing cuts in state library funding, the Twinsburg Public Library proves how valuable it is to the community. The latest results for the HAPLR report, which rates over 9,000 public libraries in the United States using the latest federal data, have been released and the Library ranked number one in the entire country for its population served. The Twinsburg Public Library is also one out of only 11 libraries in the entire country that have appeared in the top ten in each addition of the report, five of which it ranked number one. www.haplr-index.com

The high ranking is not surprising considering the incredible statistics put out by TPL for programming and circulation each month. In June, the Library circulated over 116,000 items, the highest it has ever seen in a single month.

The Twinsburg Public Library is grateful for the two local property tax levies generously supported by Twinsburg School District residents, state funding; membership in Clevnet and most importantly the Library patrons that make such great use of Library materials and programs. The Library Staff, "Team TPL" has worked hard to meet the needs and desires of everyone in a fiscally responsible manner, and has performed well under the stress of looming budget cuts. Thank you Twinsburg for making us number one!

Information from Lynda Murray at the Ohio Library Council regarding the recent budget announcements.

"News about the state budget has been fast and furious today. A number of reports by a variety of sources have been checked and verified. Reports out of both the legislature and the Governor's office are that progress is being made and they are close to an agreement, but it appears unlikely that any resolution will be reached in time to meet the July 1 deadline.

The Ohio Senate has just passed a continuing resolution and approved an interim budget to give themselves another week to work out an impasse over how to fill a $3.2 billion hole in the $54 billion budget. House concurrence is expected. The interim budget would run through July 7, giving legislators another week to balance the two-year spending plan that was to start Wednesday. The measure will fund state programs at 70% of the current level, and authorize Gov. Strickland to tap the state's rainy day fund to balance the 2009 budget that ends Tuesday. The aforementioned 30% reduction will not apply to the Public Library Fund and library funding will remain unchanged in the interim budget.

In a statement, Senate President Bill Harris praised the professionalism House and Senate negotiators have demonstrated, saying the interim budget was needed to allow adequate time "to mechanically get the bill ready for the floor."

The budget process is now in the negotiation stage. The calls and messages sent to the Governor's office and the legislature have been effective. However, at this point in the process, additional calls, e-mails, rallies, or other demonstrations of library support may not be effective."

Lynda recommends that the calls and demonstrations may not be effective at this point. We do thank everyone who has called and emailed. We may need you again soon! Thank you so much for all your support!

Thank you to everyone who supported libraries by calling their legislators and the Governor's office. The legislators heard us loud and clear, unfortunately it appears the Governor still doesn't understand that libraries have already seen a funding cut this year. Read his statement here.
Please communicate your concerns regarding this latest statement to the Governor:
(614) 466-3555 or 614-644-4357 Fax: (614) 466-9354

There is a conference committee scheduled for 10 am on Sunday, and they hope to vote on the budget on Monday. The process is very fluid,and we will keep everyone informed. There are many other groups facing disastrous cuts as well. It is a difficult and trying time for many, and the Library appreciates your support.

In an effort to balance the budget, Governor Strickland has proposed a 30%
reduction in the Public Library Fund, in addition to the 20% loss that
libraries have faced due to the low revenues garnered by the State.


The Twinsburg Public Library is in better shape than most libraries, due
to the generosity of our local residents with the passage of our most
recent levy. Should the Governor's plan go forward however, our State
funding could return to the level of 1998 figures, and anticipated
improvements, recently added hours, materials and staffing budgets will be threatened.
The Library is used to working with the ebbs and flows of the General
Revenue Fund, but such a drastic cut will impact the library's ability to
provide its superior level of service. Many libraries throughout the State
who are solely dependent on State Funding would be forced to close. Please
contact your local legislator and the Governor's office to voice your concerns.

Contact your legislators! Let your state legislators and the governor know
what your library means to you! Locate your State Representative or State
Senator.

Governor Ted Strickland
614-466-3555
contact online
Post a message on Governor Strickland's Facebook page.

Senator Bill Harris,
President of the Senate
614-466-8086
SD19@senate.state.oh.us

Senator John Carey,
Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee
614-466-8156
SD17@senate.state.oh.us

Representative Armond Budish,
Speaker of the House
614-466-5441
District08@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Vernon Sykes,
Chairman of the House Finance Committee
614-466-3100

Senator Kevin Coughlin
Senate Building
Room #222, Second Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Telephone: 614/466-4823
Email: SD27@senate.state.oh.us

Representative Brian Williams
Address:
77 S. High St
12th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Phone: (614) 644-5085
Fax: (614) 719-6941
Email: district41@ohr.state.oh.us


Spread the word! This decision will be made this week.

Join one of our many book discussion groups! With eight different groups to choose from, there's bound to be something for everyone. Click here to take a look at all our groups with their current book selections!

The Twinsburg Public Library would like to enhance our customers' experience by bringing music to the library on Sundays