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Employees at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County say they are worried about losing their jobs after Ohio Governor Ted Strickland proposes more budget cuts.
In addition, the library's director says they may have to close up to 20 branches if those cuts are made.
Governor Strickland's office says the proposed cuts are painful for every state agency that will lose some of its funding, but they say the money just isn't there.
However,
The Public Library says the state has been chipping away at its budget for nine years and it just can't afford to see anymore reductions.
Annette Franklin and her sons can be found at the library almost everyday. The only thing that keeps them away is their neighborhood branch is closed on Sundays.
"They use the library six days a week. They're at the library from the time they open. They take a break and go to the swimming pool and come back and go back to the library until they close," Franklin said from the children's area at the Hyde Park Branch.
Franklin says it's upsetting to hear up to 20 branches could close if the library's state budget is cut again.
Another patron says this will hurt families who are already struggling in this poor economy.
"With the economy, like we came to get a movie because you can't afford cable or to buy a DVD, so that's very nice too to have that from your library," said Sharon Felix.
The Public Library is trying to get the community involved by hanging signs encouraging people to contact the governor.
"We really have no place to go for the funding. All the savings have already been taken. We have already cut hours. We've already cut staff. There's really no place to cut to make those cuts for savings," said Director of the Public Library Kim Fender
The Public Library says its a vital lifeline for people who can't afford to spend money now.
"If they close branches, a lot of people wouldn't have any access to books at all, especially in this economy. You can't afford to buy all the books that you want to read," said Peggy Dowd of Downtown.
The library doesn't receive any funding from the city or county.
The board may ask voters to approve a levy in the fall to help fill some of the holes in the budget.
In the meantime, the library has launched a "Save Our Libraries" campaign and they want your help.
Click
here to read more about how you can get involved.
