We’re reaching out with an urgent requestto 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) today includes a harmful, expensive and unnecessary requirement that public libraries move any materials related to sexual orientation or gender identity to areas not primarily visible to anyone under 18.
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 millions 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.
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• 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.
At Columbus Metropolitan Library, we already offer tools like kid’s library cardsand parental controls to help families make informed choices. This new law isn’t needed and diverts resources away from the services you rely on.
We are urging Governor Mike DeWine to veto this provision
Sign Petition
