Established in 1817, the State Library of Ohio has three priorities:

To lead and partner in the development of library services throughout Ohio; To promote and enable resource sharing among libraries and library networks; and To provide access to information for Ohio's state government. All of these priorities lead to one end: to ensure that all Ohio residents, rich or poor, rural or urban, receive the best possible library service and are able to engage in lifelong learning which strengthens the economic health of Ohio.