State Library of Ohio
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| Established | 1817 |
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| Location | Columbus, Ohio |
| Other information | |
| Director | Beverly Cain |
| Staff | 72 |
| Website | State Library of Ohio |
The State Library of Ohio is a state agency that provides services to state government and all types of libraries to ensure that all Ohio residents, rich or poor, rural or urban, receive the best possible library service and are able to engage in lifelong learning which strengthens the economic health of Ohio.
The State Library is governed by a five-member board. The Board members are appointed by the State Board of Education and each member serves a five-year term of office. Under the Ohio Revised Code, section 3375.01, the State Library Board is responsible for the State Library of Ohio and a statewide program of development and coordination of library services.
The State Library of Ohio was established in 1817 by Governor Thomas Worthington. It was established with the purchase of 509 books. Initially it was not used by the public but by legislators. The public was able to use the library beginning in 1853. However it was not until 1896 that people were allowed to borrow materials. In June 1927, a lack of funds caused the library to close. Due to volunteer efforts it reopened a few months later but did not have state funding until the next year. In December 2000, the State Library moved from the Ohio Departments Building into the Jeffrey Mining Corporate Center, a converted factory that produced mining machinery.
Today the State Library of Ohio collaborates with many state agencies and Ohio libraries to provide services.
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