WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Reps. Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Pat Tiberi (R-OH) participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives from the Ohio Library Council (OLC) and Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) to discuss ways in which public libraries serve citizens across Ohio, how to expand information and services offered and innovative ways lawmakers can advocate on behalf of Ohio’s public libraries to provide increased opportunities for education and growth.

“The Ohio Library Council (OLC) and Online Computer Library Center’s (OCLC) role in serving, developing and expanding educational opportunities for Ohioans is commendable,” said Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH.)  “I’m grateful for their commitment to Ohio’s 15th District and I look forward to continuing to advocate on their behalf to ensure that all Ohioans have the best and most up to date technologies, innovations and services necessary for education, literacy and professional development in our state.”

The Ohio Library Council (OLC) is the statewide professional association which represents the interests of Ohio's 251 public library systems, their trustees, Friends, and staffs. OLC is a national leader in efforts to raise public awareness of the availability of eBooks at public libraries.

“Thanks to the commitment of the Ohio Library Council and the Online Computer Library Center, Ohioans benefit from cutting-edge technological resources available through our public libraries,” said Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH).  “Whether it is digital material, virtual historical documents, reference materials, or online access, the resources available through our libraries increase access to education and provide opportunities for growth and development for all Ohioans.”

The Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) is a nonprofit library cooperative that provides research, programs and services to more than 70,000 libraries around the world in 109 different countries. The global library cooperative was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.

“The Ohio Library Council appreciates the time Congressmen Stivers and Tiberi have invested in learning how public libraries are serving Ohioans in the 21st century digital world,” said Douglas Evans, Executive Director, Ohio Library Council.  “Ohio has the strongest public libraries in the nation, and they are leaders in ensuring that patrons have access to eBooks and other digital technologies.”

“We are honored to host Congressmen Stivers and Tiberi, and library leaders across Ohio, to discuss the important, and growing, role that today’s public libraries play in the development of strong communities and strong nations,” said Skip Prichard, President and CEO, OCLC.  “As a global library cooperative, we know that access to digital content and digital technologies is essential for local, national and global advancement. We are pleased to advance that work in Ohio and beyond.”


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