If the library tax levy renewal does not pass, will the libraries lose all their funding?

No. The tax levy which is up for renewal accounts for only 33% of the library system’s operating revenue. Voting no is a way to send a message without forcing the libraries to close. They may have to make staffing cuts — which is a good thing, because the staff who do not respect the values of the majority of parents in Jefferson County will have to leave.

Where is the proof that these books are carried in local libraries?

See some of the proof for yourself here. This link demonstrates how the PLSJ stocks at least 33 books for children and teenagers with the subject “transgender”. There are hundreds of more books available from libraries in other counties which can be requested and picked up at Jefferson County libraries. And there are more books with other subjects like “gender identity”, “LGBTQIA”, and others.

What has been done so far to try to address these concerns?

Beginning in 2021, a local group of parents began attending library board meetings, engaging with library staff, writing letters to the editor, and other efforts to raise concerns about the content of the books being purchased and stocked by the PLSJ. The library board of trustees and staff have generally ignored their objections and even limited public speaking time at board meetings.

How will voting no result in these books being removed from the libraries?

Voting no will send a strong message that the taxpayers of Jefferson County will not allow their tax dollars to be spent on books promoting transgenderism to children. It will force the library board and staff to the negotiating table to make reforms to their buying and shelving processes. They can propose a new levy next year after reforms are made.

Is this about banning books?

Nobody wants to ban books. Any parent who wishes to provide these books for their children is free to purchase them. We simply believe that taxpayers should not be forced to purchase these books with their tax dollars. We believe that citizens have the right to oversee what books are being purchased with taxpayer funds. At minimum, any book which encourages or promotes transgenderism to children should only be available with parental consent. As it stands now, any child can pick one of these colorful books off the shelf which looks innocuous to his/her parents.

Will voting no reduce my taxes?

Yes, if the library tax levy is defeated, Jefferson County taxpayers will see a small reduction in their property taxes.

How do I vote?

The library levy is on the ballot for all voters in Jefferson County, Ohio for the November 2025 elections.

Early voting is open from October 7th through November 2nd, 2025 at the Jefferson County Board of Elections, 500 Market Street, Steubenville, Ohio. Find early voting hours here.

Absentee mail ballots can be requested here.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. You can vote at your regular polling place. Look up your polling place here.