Save Ohio Libraries - a request for your help

An important detour today on LaJaSa. I'm hoping to bring attention to an issue that could adversely impact our children, our local economy, and the future of Ohio. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland wants to cut more than $200 million from the state's Public Library Fund over the next two years to help alleviate the budget mess.

THIS IS BAD BUSINESS: Branches will close, library access will be impacted and services vital to our educational programs and community likely will simply shut down. Think of all those job seekers who rely on library resources and PC Internet access to seek and apply for new jobs. (Maybe the governor forgot that employed citizens generate income tax revenue. No job, no taxes. No taxes, more cuts. Where does it end? What's next - baseball and apple pie?)

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW: Go to http://www.columbuslibrary.org/save_our_library and use the template provided (or write your own) to express your opinion to state leaders. It's quick and easy - and the more voices, the better.

Even if you're not an Ohio resident consider letting these leaders know how a cut this deep would impact our community. And feel free to pass along this information to others in your social networks. With your help, we can get the word out and get this plan off the table. Thanks everyone, I sincerely appreciate your support.