FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - View Full Press Release Here
August 17, 2026

Media Contact
Indiana Library Federation
The Advocacy Committee, Julie Wendorf & Vanessa Martin (Co-Chairs)
[email protected]

New Statewide Poll Shows Hoosiers Strongly Support Public & School Libraries, the Freedom to Read, and Funding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Indiana Library Federation Releases Findings from 2026 Statewide Public Opinion Polling Project

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Library Federation (ILF) today announced the results of its 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, a comprehensive statewide survey that provides an in-depth look at how Hoosiers view public and school libraries, librarians, education, the right to read, and access to information. The findings reveal overwhelming bipartisan support for libraries and the vital role they play in communities across Indiana.

Developed and coordinated by the Indiana Library Federation Advocacy Committee, the ILF Polling Project was conducted in April 2026 with research partner EPIC-MRA. The survey gathered responses from 800 Indiana residents representing rural, suburban, and urban communities across the state. The poll was funded by the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) and the Indiana Library Federation, and developed with strategic guidance from EveryLibrary and Taft Public Affairs. The survey carries a margin of error of ±3.5 percent. 

"The Polling Project gives libraries and advocates something incredibly valuable: a clear understanding of what Hoosiers actually think about libraries and the services they provide," said the Indiana Library Federation. "The results show that libraries continue to be trusted community institutions that support learning, literacy, workforce development, civic engagement, and access to information for all Indiana residents." 

Among the survey's most significant findings, 98 percent of respondents agreed that every Hoosier should have access to a local public library, underscoring the widespread recognition of libraries as essential community infrastructure. Additionally, 73 percent reported a positive opinion of their local public library, while 65 percent indicated they use public library services frequently or occasionally. 

The survey also found strong public confidence in libraries and the professionals who serve them. Nearly three-quarters of respondents agreed that librarians are capable of selecting appropriate books and materials for their communities, 75 percent support keeping public library boards nonpartisan, and 71 percent believe libraries are effective stewards of taxpayer dollars. 

When asked about the freedom to read and representation in library collections, Hoosiers expressed overwhelming support for core library values. Ninety-seven percent agreed that freedom of speech is a fundamental library value, while 91 percent agreed that library collections should reflect the entire community. The survey also found strong support for parental choice, with 98 percent saying parents should be able to determine what materials are appropriate for their own children and 86 percent agreeing that one family's choices should not dictate access for others. 

The poll demonstrated broad public support for library funding and statewide library initiatives. Eighty-three percent support maintaining public library budgets, 76 percent support slightly higher taxes if necessary to fund library services, and 72 percent believe libraries provide greater value than their cost. Additionally, 88 percent support restoring state funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, while 87 percent support restoring funding for INSPIRE Indiana and its educational database resources. 

School libraries also received strong support from respondents. Ninety-one percent support requiring every Indiana public school district to employ a licensed school librarian, and an equal percentage agree that licensed school librarians positively impact student reading achievement. 

Perhaps most notably, the survey found that Indiana residents overwhelmingly oppose laws that would make librarians criminally liable for including materials that some individuals may find objectionable. 

The demographic makeup of survey participants closely reflected Indiana's diverse communities and perspectives, including residents from rural, suburban, and urban areas, as well as a broad mix of political affiliations, age groups, educational backgrounds, and religious identities. This diverse representation provides confidence that the findings offer a meaningful snapshot of public opinion across the state. 

ILF leaders believe the data will serve as a valuable resource for library trustees, directors, staff, educators, elected officials, advocates, and community leaders as they work to strengthen library services and communicate their impact. 

The Polling Project findings are being supplemented through webinars and educational resources led by EveryLibrary to help library leaders better understand the results and apply them in local advocacy, communications, and community engagement efforts. 

To view the full findings and learn more about the Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project:

About the Indiana Library Federation

The Indiana Library Federation (ILF) is the statewide organization representing libraries, library staff, trustees, supporters, and advocates across Indiana. ILF provides professional development, advocacy, networking, and leadership opportunities to strengthen libraries and ensure equitable access to information, education, and lifelong learning for all Hoosiers. 

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