Lorain-area voters are getting a two-for-one decision on library funding this spring, with a pair of Lorain Public Library levies set for the May 5, 2026 primary ballot. One is a 10-year, systemwide renewal, the other is a separate five-year levy tied specifically to the Domonkas Branch in Sheffield Lake. Library officials say the money would cover staff, building repairs, public computers and community programming, and county election records confirm both measures have been certified for the May 5 election.
What the county lists on the ballot
The Lorain County Board of Elections election notice lists a 5.95-mill renewal for the Lorain Public Library System and a 2.2-mill question limited to Sheffield Lake’s Domonkas Branch on the May 5 ballot, according to the Lorain County Board of Elections. The renewal covers much of Lorain City, while the Domonkas question appears only on ballots for Sheffield Lake voters.
What each measure would do
One question is written as a renewal of the existing operating levy and would keep the current rate in place for 10 years. The other is a five-year, 2.2-mill levy for the Domonkas Branch that is intended to replace earlier local levies. Local reporting refers to the pair as “Issue 6” and “Issue 7” on the May ballot and connects the 10-year renewal to support for the system’s Main Library and South Lorain branch, according to Cleveland.com.
How much the levies would raise and cost
Board paperwork shows the 5.95-mill renewal was certified by the county auditor to bring in about $3,506,547 in the first year and to cost roughly $118 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, according to a board resolution. The Domonkas 2.2-mill item would apply only inside Sheffield Lake and would run for five years, as listed in the county notice. The library’s financial planning documents link those local levies directly to branch operating budgets and planned renovation work.
Why library leaders say they want the money
Library trustees and staff say state funding has dropped in recent years at the same time demand for materials, technology access, and community programs has climbed, which they argue puts extra strain on local budgets. Local coverage reports that levy revenue supplies the bulk of operating dollars for the system’s busiest branches and helps pay for services such as tutoring, public computers, and internet access. For more on those officials’ comments, see Cleveland.com.
Legal and practical notes
Ohio law requires taxing authorities to secure a county auditor’s certification of taxable value and estimated revenue before putting a levy on the ballot, and the library’s resolutions cite those statutory steps. The certification process and related requirements are laid out in the Ohio Revised Code, including Section 5705.03, which covers levy certification and submission to boards of elections. For details, voters can look to the state code and the library’s official board paperwork.
Sample ballots and precinct-specific information are available from the Lorain County Board of Elections. Voters can check the BOE website or contact the elections office to verify whether the Domonkas question, the system renewal, or both will appear on their ballot. Ballots will be counted after polls close on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, and official certification of results will follow the county canvass process.
