[OPLINLIST] Library Leadership Ohio

[Bill Martino]

[Please excuse cross-postings]

 

Hello,

I realize that there has been some discussion as to whether or not it is
legal to contribute public funds to Library Leadership with the
disclaimer that said donation does not guarantee that a representative
from your library will be selected.  We have contacted the Ohio Library
Council and the following response was listed in the March 3, 2008
edition of "This Week".

 

"Library Contributions to Library Leadership Ohio. The OLC has received
several inquiries regarding the recent solicitation for contributions to
this year's Library Leadership Ohio, recognizing that there are
statutory restrictions on what libraries can do with public funds.
Although the intent of this program seems to be clearly within the
statutory boundaries, the wording of the solicitation letter may not be
as clear as some auditors or county prosecutors would prefer. Therefore,
the OLC has drafted a sample resolution for library boards that may
bring some clarity to this expenditure. [Note: this is not to be
construed as legal advice.]

 

Whereas, the Board of Trustees of the ___________ Public Library (the
"Library") has determined that the Library Leadership Ohio program
offered by the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System as fiscal agent
and coordinator ("LLOHIO") advances the interests of the Library and the
provision of public library service to the Library's service area; and

 

Whereas, the Library Board of Trustees further finds that support of
LLOHIO is necessary for the maintenance and improvement of the Library; 

 

Therefore, be it resolved by the Library Board of Trustees that the
Library provide $______ of support to LLOHIO from the Library's General
Fund.

 

Please direct any questions to Lynda Murray at (614) 416-2258 or
lmurray at olc.org."

 

I hope that the previous explanation will suffice and that you will
seriously consider making a donation to this program which benefits all
Ohio libraries.  Due to the confusion surrounding the legality of the
issue we will be extending our deadline for donations until March 28.

 

Thank you,

Bill Martino

Executive Director

Northeast Ohio Regional Library System

 

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