1. Connecting People… to the World of Ideas and Information

2. Our Library Is A Major Community Asset Busiest Main Library in the country Among the busiest libraries in the U.S. Top 10 in Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings for libraries serving a population of 500,000 or more

3. Key Metrics: 5.6 million visits annually 15.6 million items borrowed in 2008 2.1 million reference questions 9.5 million items in our collection Over 14,000 programs annually 40 branches and the Main Library Online resources used 87 million times 907,000 square feet of space 245,000 cardholders

4. Library Use Is Continuing To Grow Reference questions, computer use, visits, program attendance also up

5. Supporting Education And The Economy Workforce Education Kindergarten Readiness Academic Success Small Business Development

6. Value For Money: Southwestern Ohio’s ROI In Public Libraries Using a conservative measure of value, the total quantifiable direct economic benefit of every dollar expended by libraries was $3.81

7. Drop in Primary Funding Need and use growing Primary funding decreasing 28% drop since 2000 19% drop since 2008

8. No Local Funding No property taxes No financial support from Hamilton County, the City of Cincinnati or any Hamilton County cities or villages

9. Public Library Fund Up to 90% of annual revenue Percent of State General Revenue Funds Low State income = low Library income Further reduction in new State Budget Bill

10. Cost Containment Measures Since 2000 Reduced: hours of operation by 10% staff positions by 20% employee benefits Cancelled capital projects & maintenance Reorganized Main Library to save $1 million

11. Since 2000 Library circulation increased by 17% Library operating cost grew by 15% Inflation grew by 25% State funding dropped by 28%

12. Surviving 2009 Capital funds, gifts and prior- year savings used to operate this year will be gone in 2010.

13. Annual Budget Gap Current gap between need and income is over $14 million Gap in 2010 is $16-30 million

14. Local Funding The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County – the only metropolitan library in Ohio with no local funding.

15. (in millions) Hamilton County (1 library)$ 0 Cuyahoga County (9 libraries)$81.3 Franklin County(7 libraries)$32.2 Lucas County(1 library)$14.0 Summit County(7 libraries)$14.4 Montgomery County (4 libraries)$12.5 Stark County (7 libraries)$ 5.4 Mahoning County (1 library)$ 3.0 Local Funding Comparison

16. Countywide 1 Mill Tax Levy Generates $20 million annually $2.50 per month/$100,000 of property value Funds basic operating expenses, cost of meeting growing demand and maintenance of Library facilities

17. Citizens For Your Library’s Future Campaign budget $500,000 Pledged/donated $250,000 Expect no organized opposition

18. We Will Be Forced To Cut Vital Services We Do Not Secure A Steady Source Of Funding: We Will Be Forced To Cut Vital Services If We Do Not Secure A Steady Source Of Funding: Further reductions in hours of operation Further reductions in staff 15-20 branch libraries closed Further reductions in new books and other materials Services and programs cut Countywide impact

19. New Funding Would Allow The Library To: Keep branch libraries open Continue to update books, reference materials and other materials Continue special programs for children and teenagers, including homework centers Maintain services for seniors Upgrade public computers and online services Keep high quality staff

20. Community Attitude Survey Shows Strong Support 70% of voters would vote for a Library levy 92% rated the quality of the Library as excellent or good 88% agree that the Library should continue to offer programs and activities for children and teenagers 54% are more likely to vote for a levy knowing the Library has a deficit and will have to make drastic cuts

21. In Closing… The Library is a valuable community asset Must diversify funding and reduce dependence on State taxes Many cuts have already been made Now in survival mode Levy failure would be devastating Levy success keeps Library doors open