SALEM- The proposed cut in state funding for public libraries could not come at a worse time for the Salem Public Library, according to library Director Brad Stephens.

Gov. Ted Strickland presented on Friday afternoon a proposed budget that would reduce state funding for public libraries by 30 percent in addition to the 20 percent decrease associated with the economic climate that they are already facing for 2009.

"This is not a situation that the libraries saw coming," Stephens said. "And it's so discouraging to see it from an administration that has asserted that education is a key building block for Ohio's future success. Libraries are a vital component of education; it's education of citizens from the cradle to the grave."

And the proposed cut could not come at a worse time for the library, as circulation and patrons increase as the recession continues, Stephens added.

"Demand has never been higher," he said. "We're running programs on early literacy, school preparation; offering access to social services for adults; and we have an association with the Columbiana County One Stop helping people find employment. Cutting funding eliminates a key, key resource for all Ohio citizens."

Stephens noted that the library averages daily 1,500 circulated items and 200 people on the computers, plus as many as 50 families participating in summer reading programs like Storytime in the Park.

But considering the cuts, the library will be forced to make sacrifices that will be painfully visible to its patrons.

According to Stephens, possible budget moves could include reducing operation hours and both children's and adult programming, eliminating interlibrary loans and decreasing purchase of materials by 50 percent, as well as having less money to repair and replace computers as they age and break down.

"In essence, every single element of our operation will be affected," he said.

Having already made numerous budget cuts to meet the original 20 percent cut in funding, the library has little else to cut beyond its services at this point, Stephens added.

"We have made as many budget adjustments as possible while maintaining our programming," he said. "We are attempting to be the best possible stewards of the taxpayers money as we can, but to have this happen after all we've done, there is no more places to cut; cuts would become visible to the public, which is what we are trying to avoid."

Despite the dire circumstances Strickland's proposed budget would inflict on the state's public libraries, Salem's library services will remain, Stephens assured, although the ability to meet patrons' needs will not be the same.

"Library services in Salem will continue despite whatever level of cuts come out of Columbus," he said. "However, the ability to meet the needs of the citizens with our programs will be drastically reduced."

As bad as it may seem for the Columbiana county libraries, though, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC), which includes branches in Greenford and Sebring, could be devastated by the proposed funding cut.

Already expecting a $1.9 million shortfall in 2009, the library could be faced with an estimated loss of $3.5 million over the next two years, a loss the system would not be able to sustain, forcing the closure of most of its 15 branches.

"We're working on scenarios for different amounts of cuts," said Janet S. Loew, PLYMC communications/public relations director, adding that no definite decisions about branches will be made until the extent of cuts is known.

Closing will not be based solely on circulation, though, she noted, stating that smaller, more remote branches, such as Greenford and Sebring, may remain open if the funding cut is not too drastic.

The proposed budget has been turned over to the Conference Committee, comprised of three house representatives and three senators, to be balanced by June 30, so time is short for citizens to voice their opinion of the possible reduction in funding.

To express opposition to Strickland's plan contact the governor's office at 614-466-3555 and local legislators state Rep. Linda Bolon at 614-466-8022 or district01 @ohr.state.oh.us and state Sen. Jason Wilson at 614-466-6508 or senatorwilson@maild.sen.state.oh.us.

Also visit the PLYMC Web site, www.libraryvisit.org, for an easy click and type e-mail form.

"It's important that citizens of Ohio let our elected officials know that they value the public libraries," Stephens said. "In difficult times like these is when we need our libraries the most."