"To ask why we need libraries at all, when there is so much information available elsewhere, is about as sensible as asking if roadmaps are necessary now that there are so very many roads."
— Jon Bing (1944–2014, Norwegian writer and professor at the Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law)
The Rock Creek Public Library is entering a time of transition. Our students and teachers are starting a new school year, fall is on the horizon, and we have received the resignation of a trusted employee. As we decide how we are navigating the natural rhythms of life, the remaining staff, the Board of Trustees and I - Kim Blevins, Director - are trying to determine the most responsible way to move forward.
You may have seen on the news that library funding in Ohio has drastically changed. We are now a full year into this change and are better able to gauge the fiscal landscape. Funding for libraries changed from a percentage (1.7%) of the General Revenue Fund to a fixed line item. That means that there is no longer any wiggle in the money that is coming in. In past years, if the state collected more revenue than anticipated, libraries received a portion of that increase. While state collections continue to exceed expectations, libraries and their patrons are just no longer the beneficiaries of those surplus funds.
Rock Creek Public Library has been taking proactive steps to adapt. We brought a levy to the voters, and the community graciously supported its passage. When we begin receiving that revenue in the spring of 2027, it will positively impact the services we provide. However, uncertainty remains surrounding levy funds. If the movement to eliminate property taxes becomes a reality, that newly passed levy will dry up, and library funding will see another decrease.
Despite these challenges, the library serves as the front line provider for state- and federally- funded programs. We offer voter registration applications, absentee ballot forms, assistance with Golden Buckeye Card applications, HEAP applications, Community Action connections, Legal Aid contacts, FAFSA help, Head Start resources, a Citizenship Toolkit, Fair Housing information, Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities materials, WIC and Ohio Department of Health information, drug deactivation kits, Ashtabula County Harm Reduction information, AARP tax assistance, printing support for state and federal tax forms, RSVP connections, and internet and hotspots partially funded by the e-rate program.
We help people work on resumes and find jobs, assist local businesses with marketing, support student learning, keep residents connected to their health care and insurance providers via fax, offer personalized tech assistance, notary service (resuming soon) and enrich our community with educational materials, books, movies, and a welcoming space to connect.
The Library Board of Trustees, alongside the director, staff and various committees, is continually evaluating how best to secure the future of the Rock Creek Public Library and its services. We operate under a state-reported budget and regularly review our policies, annual reports, strategic plans, mission and values statements, and service philosophy.
During this transition, we have decided not to immediately replace the staff member who left for a new adventure. Instead, we are reallocating a portion of her hours to existing employees and making minor adjustments to our operating hours. Effective September 8, we will close at 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at 12:00 pm on Saturdays. We will be collecting data and community feedback through the end of the year to determine whether we can maintain our standard of service and programming under this schedule. Note that select programs may still take place at the RCPL Annex after hours. Please check our website, Facebook page, and event calendar for updates.
We are here for you. New hours, same great service.
Stop in during Library Card Sign-Up Month to renew your card or check out a book for a chance to win a cozy fall gift basket!