The document outlines a campaign launched by Ohio libraries to save funding from proposed state budget cuts. Chapter 1 provides background on Ohio public libraries. Chapter 2 describes proposed cuts of $227 million. Chapter 3 details how libraries mobilized patrons to contact legislators through signs, emails, website messages. Chapter 4 discusses Cleveland Public Library's efforts. The campaign was ultimately successful in avoiding deeper cuts and improving library-legislator relationships, with many local levies passing.

1. Orchestrating PR to Save Your Library June 27, 2010

2. “ You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it's an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.” Rahm Emanuel

3. Chapter One Introduction: A Brief History of Ohio Public Libraries

4. Chapter Two State Financial Emergency

5. Governor proposed to balance state’s budget by raiding public library funding Proposed cuts: $227.3 million in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 as part of his plan to fill the $3.2 billion gap Already lost 20% of state revenue in January 2009; proposing an additional 30% cut Came at a time when Ohio’s public libraries were experiencing unprecedented increases in demand for services Libraries could close or face significant reductions in operations as a result 70% of the state’s public libraries rely solely on state funding Financial Crisis! Ohio Library Council sends an alert

6. Chapter Ohio Libraries Mobilize Three

7. Ohioans and Library Directors called to action to save Ohio libraries A campaign is born… “Save Ohio Libraries” Put signs in windows Email patrons Call the local TV stations Interrupt websites with splash pages, contacts for legislators Talking points “ Lights out” for 5 minutes CALL TO ACTION!

8. “ A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessities of life.” -- Henry Ward Beecher

9. Four Chapter Cleveland Public Library Rallies

16. Campaign Results Deeper cuts were avoided Better relationships were created between the state legislators and libraries. 25 out of 29 local levies passed in the state of Ohio during 2009.

17. Chapter Five geekthelibrary.org Campaign

24. Chapter Seven Go write it!

25. Cleveland Public Library      Thank you!