Ask Governor DeWine to Veto Harmful Policy
We have an urgent request to 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) includes a harmful, expensive and unnecessary requirement that public libraries to “place materials related to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in a portion of the public library that is not open to the view of persons under the age of eighteen.”
This new law is bad for Ohioans!
- It limits your freedom to choose what’s right for your family. At LCL, we recognize that the best people to make decisions on the materials children read, watch, or listen to are their parents and guardians. LCL supports families by providing a wide variety of options. Not every item in the collection is appropriate for every family, but we honor the right of parents to make those choices. Libraries – and state governments – shouldn’t act in place of parents or guardians.
- It’s expensive. Libraries will need to reclassify books, redesign spaces, and buy new equipment, costing thousands of dollars. The state budget does not provide funding for this work and has cut funding for libraries in the short term, which may force libraries to reduce programs and services to cover the costs of this policy.
- It raises serious legal concerns about censorship and freedom of access to information.
- It’s vague and confusing, making it difficult for libraries to apply the law fairly or consistently.
Logan County Libraries already offers children’s library cards and digital parental controls to help families make informed decisions. This new law isn’t needed and diverts resources away from the services you rely on.
We are urging Governor DeWine to use his line-item veto power to remove this provision from the state budget, but we need your help!
Take Action Now!
Please call or email Governor DeWine and respectfully urge him to veto the provision related to library materials. The governor must fully review and sign the budget by June 30, making the next few days critical for your voice to be heard!
Thank you for your continued support of Logan County Libraries. Together, we can protect the freedom to read and ensure that Ohio’s libraries remain places to connect, learn, and share!