Help us save library books from being restricted

Dear Shaker Library supporter:

Time is running out to save the books in your library from being restricted. The latest version of the State Budget Bill (HB 96) contains a provision that would restrict where libraries could place materials discussing “sexual orientation and gender identity or expression” to “a portion of the library that is not primarily open to the view of persons under the age of eighteen.”

This mandate takes control away from caregivers. We believe parents — not libraries or the state — should decide what materials are best for their children. This bill undermines that role by shifting responsibility to the state and away from families, who have the right to view and check out materials with ease and without judgment.

Relocating materials would be costly, and most public libraries lack the resources to redesign their layouts or manage new restricted areas. Our library system already has a rigorous collection development policy in place that can address community members’ concerns about specific materials.

What can you do? Write to Governor DeWine right away (by Friday, June 27). Please respectfully ask him to use his line-item veto power to remove this language from the budget bill. The bill has passed the Ohio House and Senate, and is now headed to Governor’s Desk to be signed by June 30.

Thank you for supporting your Shaker Library.

You may find these points helpful when composing your message:

  1. This materials provision takes control away from caregivers. We believe parents should decide what materials are best for their children.
  2. The library already has a policy addressing community members’ concerns about specific materials. The process is in place and working well – it doesn’t require new legislation or government interference.
  3. It could be costly to move materials. Most public libraries lack the space, staffing, or funding to redesign their layouts or manage new restricted areas. For smaller libraries, it could be functionally impossible.
  4. The bill’s wording is unclear. This ambiguity would leave libraries unsure how to comply and could result in confusion and inconsistent application.