State Library of Ohio explained

State Library of Ohio
Country:United States
Location:274 East First Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43201
Collection Size:2,000,000
Legal Deposit:Regional federal depository library[1]
Pop Served:State of Ohio
Director:Wendy Knapp (also state librarian) (2020)
Num Employees:50
Parent Organisation:-->
Mapframe-Zoom:15
Publictransit:
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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.[2]

History

Governor Thomas Worthington established the State Library of Ohio in 1817 as the Ohio State Library. It was established with the purchase of 509 books. Initially it was not used by the public but by legislators.[3] [4] The public was able to use the library beginning in 1853.[5] 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.

Services

Today the State Library of Ohio collaborates with many state agencies and Ohio libraries to provide services.

Services to the state government

Services to Ohio libraries

Services to Ohio residents

Partners

Regional library systems

Notes and References

  1. Web site: State Library of Ohio. GPO Federal Depository Library Directory. United States Government Printing Office. January 2, 2023.
  2. Web site: 33 Ohio Rev. Code. § 3375.01. 2012.
  3. Ohio State Library Centennial. Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly. January 1919. 28. 1. 96–114. 12 April 2015.
  4. News: Goodman. Rebecca. State Library was first in Northwest Territory. 8 March 2011. The Cincinnati Enquirer. June 20, 2003.
  5. Web site: The State Library of Ohio History. State Library of Ohio. 2 September 2017.
  6. Web site: State Library of Ohio. GPO Federal Depository Library Directory. United States Government Printing Office. January 2, 2023.