Protect the Right to Read
Cleveland Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Cleveland Public Library, one of Ohio’s largest library systems, mobilized its community to protect the right to read freely after House Bill 96 (ORC Section 3375.47) threatened intellectual freedom by requiring public libraries to segregate materials related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Through storytelling, compelling messaging, and strategic outreach, Cleveland Public Library informed and empowered Ohioans to contact their legislators and the Governor in defense of access to diverse materials. This statewide advocacy effort deepened public understanding of libraries as civic hubs and reaffirmed Cleveland Public Library’s role as a champion for innovation, access, democracy, and intellectual freedom.
Challenge/Opportunity
Cleveland Public Library faced a major challenge when a state budget provision threatened to restrict access to materials related to sexual orientation and gender identity. If enacted, the measure would have undermined intellectual freedom and limited the public’s right to read freely. When the budget reached Governor Mike DeWine’s desk, Cleveland Public Library acted quickly, urging Ohioans to contact the Governor and ask for a veto. The proposed language was broad, vague, and unworkable, requiring libraries to move materials out of view of minors, even classics like The Diary of a Young Girl. Cleveland Public Library’s campaign emphasized access for all, a parent’s right to choose for their children, and the role of libraries in protecting democracy. In collaboration with the Ohio Library Council, Cleveland Public Library educated and mobilized the public, reinforcing its place as a trusted civic resource and defender of free expression.
Key Elements of Innovation
Cleveland Public Library launched the Protect the Right to Read campaign to defend intellectual freedom when a state budget provision threatened access to materials. Using coordinated messaging across social media, news outlets, the Library’s website, newsletters, in-branch signage, and handouts, the Library educated residents and provided actionable steps to contact the Governor. Collaborating with the Ohio Library Council and peer institutions, Cleveland Public Library shared stories from patrons, staff, and families to humanize the issue and inspire civic engagement. This initiative shifted public understanding of libraries as more than a place for books, positioning Cleveland Public Library as a trusted civic anchor and pillar of democracy capable of mobilizing communities to defend access and inclusion.
Achieved Outcomes
Cleveland Public Library’s Protect the Right to Read campaign united the community around the idea that every Ohioan deserves the freedom to read without restriction. In response to proposed state budget language limiting access to library materials, Cleveland Public Library rallied patrons, partners, and advocates to take action.
Key metrics demonstrate the campaign’s reach and engagement:
22 community stories shared about the Library’s impact
289 webpage visits and 31 direct clicks to the Governor’s contact page
189 social media reactions, 9 comments, and 142 shares
Cleveland Public Library’s advocacy gained regional attention through Ideastream Public Media’s Sound of Ideas and local TV and print coverage, sparking statewide dialogue. These collective efforts influenced policymakers, and Governor Mike DeWine ultimately vetoed the restrictive provision, safeguarding Ohioans’ right to read and affirming Cleveland Public Library’s role as a champion of intellectual freedom.
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