SWON Libraries

In an outpouring of public action, people across the State of Ohio are coming together to express their support of public libraries.  We only have a few days left.  Please take action and let your voice be heard. Follow this link for photos of the rally that took place at the Loveland Branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County on Wednesday.

A rally was also held on Wednesday at the London Public Library. Another rally in our region will be at the Washington-Centerville Public Library on Thursday at 4:00 p.m.

On Friday, June 19th, Ohio governor Strickland proposed a state budget intended to solve the budget crisis in Ohio. Unfortunately, much of the fix is flat onto the backs of Ohio's public libraries.

Most public libraries in the State of Ohio receive a large percentage of their funding from the state budget. The Governor's proposal cuts 50% of the funding to public libraries. This would have a devastating impact on all of the libraries, at a time when they are busier than ever with many unemployed citizens using the library as their primary job-seeking resource and entertainment center.

We must act now. Please take a minute to contact the Governor's office as well as your state legislators. Click here to find contact information for your state legislators.

Please act now to help save our libraries.

At the Annual Summer Retreat this month, SWON Libraries seated its new Executive Board that will direct the operations of the organization for the next year.  New members of the Executive Board are: Susan Banks, Kenton County Public Library; Jason Buydos, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County; Anita Carroll, Franklin Springboro Public Library; Amy Filiatreau, Xavier University Library; Lisa Hayes, Indiana Wesleyan University; Carrie Herrmann, Boone County Public Library. 

Continuing members of the Executive Board will be: Sarah B. Brown, Mason Public Library; Emily Colpi, Mariemont High School; Marianne Cramer, Summit Country Day School; Kathy Poulton, Archbishop Moeller High School; Cathy Shaffer Goodin, International Paper;  Laurel Wolfson, Hebrew Union College. 

The Executive Board also elected their officers for the year.  Laurel Wolfson will serve as President.  Sue Banks will serve as Vice President and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee.  Marianne Cramer will serve as Treasurer. 

Many thanks to the retiring members of the Executive Board for their dedicated service during their terms:  Cindy Brown, Boone County Public Library; Jennifer Chase, Givaudan Flavors; Norma Petkus, Bradford Public Library; Sheila Shellabarger, Wright State University; and Mike Whiteman, Chase College of Law Library of Northern Kentucky University