Ohio Voters OK New Taxes For 30 Library Systems

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Voters in a number of Ohio communities came to the aid of public libraries that have been cutting hours and staff due to state budget cuts.

Levies were approved Tuesday to support 30 library systems, including one of the state's largest. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County expects to receive $100 million over five years through a property tax measure that will cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $30 a year.

"We are just so thankful that the community felt strongly enough about libraries that they were willing to give us this level of support and take on an additional tax to make sure we could keep our libraries open," said Kim Fender, the Cincinnati library's executive director.

Fender said defeat of the levy would have meant reduced hours and possible closure of half of the system's 40 branches.

Eight library measures passed in the Dayton area, including one to provide $13.6 million annually for the Dayton Metro Library. Director Tim Kambitsch says the vote confirms people think libraries are important.