URGENT: Protect Access to Library Materials - Ask Governor DeWine to Veto Harmful Policy
We’re reaching out with an urgent request to stand with Ohio libraries in protecting free and open access to information for all members of our community.
A new law passed in the state budget (House Bill 96) includes a harmful, expensive and unnecessary requirement that public libraries "place material related to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in a portion of the library that is not primarily open to the view of minors."
Granville Public Library has robust, transparent policies in place that guide what we add to our collection. Libraries can't and shouldn't replace parents. What we can do - and always have done - is support families and guardians by giving them access, options, and the trust to decide what's best for their children.
Why This Matters
- It limits your freedom to choose what’s right for your family.
- It’s expensive. Libraries will need to reclassify books, redesign spaces, retrain staff and buy new equipment, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- The budget does not provide any funding for this work.
- In fact, this budget cuts funding for libraries in the short term and has eliminated the dedicated Public Library Fund for the long term. This means essential programs and services could be reduced to pay for this policy.
- This law will divert our levy funds from the the expansion of library services to implementing and managing the ongoing expense of complying with these requirements.
- It raises serious legal concerns about censorship and access to information.
- It’s vague and confusing, making it hard for libraries to apply the law fairly or consistently.
We are urging Governor Mike DeWine to veto this provision, but we need your help.
Take Action Now! Please call and email the Governor today and respectfully urge him to veto this provision related to library materials.
Call: 614-466-3555
Email: governor.ohio.gov/contact
Deadline: June 30. The Governor must finish his review of the budget by June 30, making the next few days critical for your outreach.
Thank you for your continued support of Granville Public Library. Together, we can protect the freedom to read and ensure that Ohio’s libraries remain welcoming and open to all.