'We are thrilled': Libraries react to veto of library material restrictions in Ohio budget

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Monday vetoed a controversial provision in the state's new budget that would have imposed restrictions on public libraries regarding the placement of materials related to sexual orientation or gender identity.

In his statement, the Republican governor expressed concerns about what he described as the "vague restrictions" proposed for libraries. The provision, which had drawn strong opposition from library systems across the state, would have required libraries to segregate such materials so they were not visible to patrons under 18.

"No child should have access to inappropriate materials or to materials that their parents or guardians deem inappropriate," DeWine said. "In Ohio, we have strong laws on obscenity and material harmful to juveniles, and the DeWine-Tressel Administration expects those laws to be enforced. Therefore, a veto of this item is in the public interest."

Aimee Fifarek, director and CEO of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County, celebrated the veto. 

"This restriction would have been a huge unfunded mandate and required us to create an entirely new administrative process," Fifarek said. "We are grateful to the governor for recognizing this issue and recognizing the vagueness of the language, and also grateful to everyone who contacted the legislature and the governor."

The director of the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library system, Jim Wilkins, said he is "proud of the governor for standing up for citizens' rights." 

Libraries have consistently maintained that parents, not the state, should determine what is appropriate for their children, and many already have policies in place to support parental choice.

Despite the veto, public libraries will still face a squeeze in resources under the new budget. The statewide Public Library Fund will see a cut of about $20 million in FY26 alone. 

This cut will trickle down to public library systems in the Valley. Fifarek said the PLYMC will see a budget reduction of $900,000 across FY26-27, while Wilkins said WTCPL will take a hit of about $260,000 next year. 

Fifarek described the cuts as "significant" but "by no means devastating."

"Our goal, long term, is to not pass on the shock that we've received from the legislature to our staff and our members of the public," Fifarek said. "We want to make sure to keep core services strong and reliable for our communities."

Wilkins similarly said he believes Trumbull County's libraries will be able to absorb the impact of reduced funding. 

"I DON'T THINK THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER COMING THROUGH our DOORS IS GOING TO NOTICE ANYTHING," Wilkins said. "MAYBE, INSTEAD OF HAVING 12 PROGRAMS IN A MONTH, MAYBE WE ONLY HAVE 10."