The Toledo–Lucas County Public Library announced July 30 that it would eliminate Sunday hours, reduce its materials and supplies budget, and impose a hiring freeze in order to reduce its budget by $1.4 million by December 31.
“This is a very serious time in the 163-year history of the Toledo–Lucas County Public Library, but hopefully a temporary emergency,” said TLCPL Director Clyde Scoles. “We will do our best to ensure our patrons that their public library remains the area leader of information, education, and technology.”
The measures are in response to a cut in funding from Ohio’s Library and Local Government Support Fund. A reduction in state funding prompted the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County to announce July 16 it would shut five of its 41 branches, although the closures were subsequently delayed. The library board agreed July 29 to postpone the closings indefinitely and to hold public hearings in the affected communities. The trustees also plan to consider a tax levy and other fundraising options, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported July 30.
Posted August 5, 2002.