Call to Action: Protect Equal Access in Ohio’s Libraries!

After seeing final updates to the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 state budget (HB 96), we’re asking you to contact Governor Mike DeWine on behalf of Ohio’s public libraries, including the libraries in your Licking County neighborhoods.

A provision buried in HB 96 would require public libraries to “place material related to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in a portion of the public library that is not primarily open to the view of persons under the age of eighteen.”

Why are Ohio’s libraries & librarians asking you to take action ASAP?

Equal access is at the heart of public libraries.

As a public entity, we strive to have materials that represents all ages, social statuses, religious affiliations, and gender identity or sexual orientation and value systems.
Collection development policies adopted by local boards of trustees make sure library materials reflect the needs (and requests) of their local communities. They include processes for public input, parental controls, and age-appropriate library card options.

Public libraries fully support parents and guardians in their ability to make decisions about library materials for their families. One family’s choice will differ from another’s.

Asking librarians to step in would require a baffling amount of time, energy, and budget (including taxpayer dollars) to limit access to library materials. In Ohio’s smallest libraries, it would be physically impossible to comply.

The language used in HB 96 around library materials is both vague and extreme.

For example, views on what materials fall under these categories will differ from individual to individual and result in varying interpretations. Because of this, the ask to segregate these items is not only unrealistic and costly to apply, it’s also a form of censorship.

Legislating materials and content sets a dangerous precedent. Contact the Governor’s office TODAY through Monday, June 30.

We are thankful that Governor DeWine has been a great, long-time advocate of public libraries. Please be respectful, yet timely, in your message.

Governor Mike DeWine
Main Line: (614) 466-3555
Governor’s Hotline: (614) 644-4357
https://governor.ohio.gov/contact