State legislators made the correct move when they decided to retain the same level of pubic library funding in Ohio’s biennial budget.

Earlier talks had called for cuts to that funding, from 1.7 percent of the budget to 1.66 percent of the overall tally. Although that sounds like a small reduction, it would in fact have amounted to Belmont County’s district library system losing $25,000 a year. That is a lot of money for a relatively small system that maintains multiple branches in various locations.

Anthony Orsini, director of the local district library system, said the fact that the final version of the budget includes the 1.7 percent for libraries is a relief. It means the system can continue working on projects and collection development, rather than cutting corners or even staff.

Libraries across the state and the nation are important facilities for their respective communities. Not only do they provide a wealth of resources — from entertaining and information books to references materials, music, videos, periodicals and more — they also offer access to tools such as computers and the internet. In some cases, things that simply aren’t available elsewhere can be borrowed for personal use. The St. Clairsville Public Library, for example, has a telescope available for loan.

Libraries offer much to children and adults alike, and they can even be a safe place for some individuals to spend time. For instance, elderly adults who may not have access to air conditioning can escape the summer heat with a visit to the local library.

We applaud lawmakers for finding a way to continue funding public libraries at the same level they had become accustomed to. The decision will benefit the facilities and the public.