Ohio libraries are facing financial challenges ahead of 2026, with between $25 million less in state funding and less financial stability due to changes in the state funding formula. The Public Library Fund provides state dollars to all 251 library systems in Ohio, regardless of size or location. The state budget signed into law last summer resulted in roughly $25m in funding cuts, including $490 million to the Public Library fund in Fiscal Year 2026 and $500 million in Fiscal Years 2027, down from $504 million in fiscal year 2025. The changes also removed a guarantee that libraries received a percentage of the state's revenue fund. The majority of public libraries rely heavily on property taxes, with nearly 70% of their funding coming from property taxes. However, experts predict that the services libraries provide will naturally reduce between less state funds and less property tax revenue.