Library Prepared for More Budget Cuts

Although Gov. John Kasich's two-year budget proposal would cut public library funding by 5 percent, a local library manager saw that as a sign of support for libraries, considering the state's budget problems.

"I personally was pleased by that amount. It recognized what libraries are doing in the community in this recession," said Cuyahoga County Public Library Mayfield Branch Manager William Rubin.

Rubin said he hopes the legislature follows the governor's lead and doesn't change the budget for libraries.

"I really feel that the 5 percent is the library sharing the pain of the state," Rubin said. "An increase would have been nice. We didn't think that was going to happen."

In 2009, the Cuyahoga County Public Library dealt with a $14 million shortfall prompted by state budget cuts by reducing staff, increasing late fines, slashing money used for purchasing books and other materials and closing most branch locations on Sunday.

Statewide, the budget cut this time could be more than $160 million over the two years.

The Cuyahoga County Library receives about 30 percent of its funding from the state, said spokesman Robert Rua. How the system, which includes a branch in Solon, deals with the possibility of less state money this year and next is still unknown. What will happen at individual branch locations – the system serves nearly 50 communities and has 28 buildings – is even more fuzzy.

"There are still unanswered questions," Rua said. "This is a time when public libraries are busier than ever, so it does put us in a tight spot.

"For now, we'll see what unfolds," he added. "There's too many unknowns."

While most branches were closed on Sunday during the 2009 and 2010 budget years, Mayfield was one of seven branches that remained open on Sundays.