Ohio Republican proposes bill to defund libraries over ‘harmful’ materials

By Morgan Trau, Ohio Capital Journal

An Ohio Republican lawmaker just introduced a bill that would defund public libraries if they don’t remove or hide so-called “harmful” materials to juveniles.

Columbus mom-of-two Michelle Francis is not just a fan of her local library but of all the public programs.

“I’ve got two daughters, they love the library,” Francis said. “They request all the time to go visit.”

She works at the Ohio Library Council and said the biggest challenge she is facing right now is a lack of funding.

Libraries are in their busiest times of the year now that schools are letting out, but in recent weeks, facilities across the state have reported cutting hours, programs, and even staff.

Many libraries rely on taxpayer dollars, but state revenue continues to decline, as detailed this week in an Ohio Capital Journal report.

Francis now has an added worry about a new bill introduced at the Ohio Statehouse.