Ohios public libraries are more numerous than Starbucks. Yet they face funding and censorship challenges: Leslie Kouba [Video]

CLEVELAND, Ohio – According to data websites, Ohio has 502 Starbucks and 624 McDonald’s. Guess who has them both beat…public libraries! There are 732 public library outlets across our state, which looks really funny as a Google Map.

The earliest American libraries were private book collections donated by people like Benjamin Franklin. Over time, their longevity and calm knowledge-based presence has inspired trust and created an atmosphere of safety within their walls. As technology evolved, so did libraries and librarians. Today, libraries and their staff provide education, experiences, entertainment and even serve as intersections between those who need social services and area service providers.