A Message from Sari Feldman

Executive Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library

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On behalf of the Cuyahoga County Public Library Board of Trustees and staff, I would like to thank the tens of thousands of people who contacted their legislators in support of the “Save Ohio Libraries” campaign. Your voices, along with those of area business leaders, government officials, and members of the media, clearly made a difference in the final outcome. It is so gratifying to serve a community that values its public libraries. We would also like to express our appreciation to state legislators who gave their support to the campaign and for recognizing the tremendous value provided by Ohio’s public libraries.

Over the past few months, the Library Administration has worked diligently with the Union and Board of Trustees to address reductions in state funding and local property tax revenue amounting to $14 million through 2010. These reductions have made it necessary for us to enact a series of cost-saving measures that include staff reductions, limiting Sunday hours to seven of our branches and raising our daily overdue fines from five cents to ten cents. We hope we will never again have to take such action, but it appears that Ohio’s public libraries will remain vulnerable in the foreseeable future.

The only way to protect against further financial crisis is to begin a process that truly reinvents Cuyahoga County Public Library. We must develop a long-term financial plan that decreases our reliance on state funds and allows us to operate with increased efficiency. Cuyahoga County Public Library has consistently ranked as one of the ten best and busiest library systems in the U.S., and has earned a reputation nationally as a leader in customer service and innovation. The challenge we now face is to keep the momentum going with fewer resources, and to continue to innovate without sacrificing our core services or popular collection.

We remain committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service. With our dedicated staff and the tremendous support we receive from the 47 communities we serve, I know we can rise to this new challenge and fulfill our mission to provide an environment where reading, lifelong learning, and civic engagement thrive.

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