The Midpointe Library System in Butler County is continuing to offer passport services at its Trenton branch, even after the U.S. State Department revoked its authorization to accept passport applications. The library has announced it will appeal the decision, which it claims was made without cause, as it has processed over 8,300 passports since 2016 and passed audits by the Department of State.

Revocation of Authorization Sparks Controversy

In early March 2026, the Midpointe Library received a letter from the U.S. Department of State stating that the library no longer meets the criteria to operate as a passport acceptance facility. The letter, dated March 13, 2026, informed the library that it must cease accepting passport applications immediately and return all related materials, including signage, informational handouts, and digital content.

The State Department cited the library’s status as a non-governmental organization as the reason for the revocation. According to the letter, only government-affiliated entities are authorized to provide passport services. The decision caught the library by surprise, as it had been operating the service for over a decade without prior issues.

Despite the revocation, Midpointe Library has not stopped offering the service. In a statement to WVXU, the library emphasized that it will appeal the decision to the appropriate authorities. The library also noted that it has received positive feedback from the State Department during audits and believes the revocation is based on an incorrect assessment.

Other Libraries Affected, Some Continue Services

Midpointe is not alone in facing scrutiny from the Department of State. The Cincinnati Hamilton County Public Library and the Boone County Public Library both received similar requests from the State Department. However, both libraries completed the required Attestation of Organizational Status and were confirmed to continue offering passport services.

According to Boone County Scheben Branch Manager Craig Lefteroff, the State Department has been instructing nonprofit libraries not affiliated with city or county governments to stop offering passport services. In Kentucky, most libraries are organized as library districts connected with county governments, which may explain why some are not affected by the new rules.

Kenton County Public Library, which is a governmental agency, was not contacted by the State Department and remains unaffected by the changes. A spokesman for the library said it should not be impacted by the new regulations, as it is already a government entity.

Passport Services Remain Popular and In Demand

The Cincinnati Hamilton County Public Library has been actively processing passport applications. According to Michelle Elliott, facility manager in charge of the library’s passport services, the library processed 2,076 applications in 2025 and had already handled 557 by March 13, 2026. The library offers services at four locations, including the main library and three branch locations.

Public services director Kathy Bach noted that the library had attempted to expand its passport services to two additional locations last year but was told by the State Department that no new facilities would be accepted at that time. The library continues to see high demand for the service, with many patrons appreciating the convenience of evening and weekend hours, which are not typically available at post offices or other government offices.

Elliott explained that the library has dedicated rooms for processing passport applications, providing a more welcoming and private environment for families with children. The library also provides staff training and annual recertification to ensure that applications are processed correctly and efficiently.

“We’re one of the few places that offer evening and weekend hours for the processing of passports, which is really helpful for families,” Elliott said. “We create a welcoming space for folks to come in. It’s convenient for families with children to come. You sit down, you have a private area where you can do it.”

Future of Passport Services Uncertain

As the State Department continues to make changes to its passport processing framework, the future of library-based services remains uncertain. In 2024, the Department announced plans to open six new U.S. passport agency offices, including one in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati location, located in the John Weld Peck Federal Building Downtown, is listed as pending, with an expected opening in summer 2027.

Kathy Bach speculated that the State Department’s decision to expand its own passport services may have influenced the revocation of Midpointe’s authorization. If the new federal offices become operational, they may further reduce the need for library-based services, but for now, libraries continue to fill an important gap in public access.

Other libraries, such as the Lane Libraries, Clermont County Public Library, and Campbell County Public Library, do not offer passport services and therefore remain unaffected by the new rules. However, the Morrisson-Reeves Library in Richmond, Indiana, is currently exploring the possibility of offering the service to better meet the needs of its community.

Josh Imhoff, engagement manager at Morrisson-Reeves Library, stated that the library has been considering adding passport services for some time and is now evaluating whether the service would be beneficial for its patrons. The library’s approach reflects a growing awareness of the importance of accessible and convenient passport services for the public.

As the debate over who should provide passport services continues, the Midpointe Library’s decision to appeal the revocation highlights the broader issue of access to government services through local institutions. Whether libraries will continue to play a key role in this process remains to be seen, but for now, the services remain available at several locations, providing a vital resource for the community.