COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP): Ohioans approved 31 of the 34 ballot measures in Tuesday's election to help pay for public libraries.
 
The Ohio Library Council says the library measures approved by voters included 24 renewal or additional levies and six new levies. Plus a $1.6 million bond issue for the Huron County Community Library also was successful.
 
Three new library levies failed.
 
The revenue from the local property tax levies will provide financial support for the libraries' programs and services, adding to the state funding of public libraries.
 
Douglas Evans, executive director, of the Ohio Library Council, says most voters recognized that libraries are an essential public service.