Monday, April 3rd, 2025

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio – Libraries are an integral part of every community. In East Cleveland, the library is the pinnacle of technology and literacy.

In light of recent news, libraries are experiencing potential funding cuts. This will affect each public library across the nation and make it difficult to keep our doors open and our staff employed.

Cutting funding to public libraries is a devastating blow to communities, stripping away essential resources like free internet access, educational programs, and safe spaces for children and teens. Libraries are lifelines for those seeking jobs, education, and connection. Defunding them deepens inequality, isolates vulnerable populations, and erodes the foundation of informed, empowered citizens. We cannot afford to abandon the very institutions that uplift and unite us—funding libraries is funding our future.

The East Cleveland Public Library is committed to bringing programming, literacy, and innovative technology to the community as well as being a safe space for people to congregate. Some of what we offer the community are free lunches all year for kids under 18 through the Cleveland Food Bank, high-speed internet, computer classes, free wifi hotspots, printing services, unique programs and most importantly, books and our digital resources.

We are asking for help from our patrons in East Cleveland and beyond. Write your legislators, tell them why you love the library. Email or call these senators:

• Matt Huffman - Phone: (614) 466-6344 - Email: www.ohiohouse.gov/matt-huffman
• Ken Smith - Phone: (614) 466-4857 - Email: www.ohiosenate.gov/kent-smith
• Juanita Brent - Phone: (614) 466-1408 - Email: www.ohiohouse.gov/juanita-o-brent

We also are asking patrons to share on social media "I love East Cleveland Public Library because..." and finish the sentence with anything you'd like to share. Tag us in the post on Facebook, Instagram, or make a video on TikTok about why you love libraries. Use the hashtag #ECLibraryRocks so we see your post and spread the word.

We greatly appreciate any type of help you can offer, whether that be a monetary donation or a simple post on social media. You can donate to the ECPL by clicking here.

The people in our communities matter. Our libraries matter. Stand up for your local library.

For more information about the East Cleveland Public Library, visit www.eastclevelandpubliclibrary.org and follow us on social media by clicking on the icons below.

The East Cleveland Public Library serves by providing quality service, accurate information and cutting-edge technology that results in a competent public.