ILF & Advocacy

Click here for ILF's 2026 Legislative Priorities

Click here for ILF's Updated Statement on SB 8

Click here for Our Statement on SB 8

2026 Statehouse Day Recap

The 2026 Statehouse Day took place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and brought together Indiana Library Federation members and library supporters from across the state for a meaningful day of advocacy at the Indiana Statehouse. Attendees met with legislators, promoted Indiana libraries, shared their library stories, and spoke to ILF’s legislative priorities and the vital role libraries play in their communities.

This year’s Statehouse Day emphasized direct engagement with lawmakers, with participants scheduling and attending meetings with legislators who represent both their library districts and their home communities. These one‑on‑one conversations helped strengthen relationships, elevate local library voices, and reinforce the value of continued collaboration between libraries and policymakers.

By taking an active role in advocacy, attendees helped advance conversations around the impact of libraries on early literacy, workforce development, small business support, broadband access, and more. The connections made on Statehouse Day will continue to support ILF’s advocacy efforts throughout the legislative session and beyond.

 

Register for Bi-Weekly Legislative Update Zoom Calls

Below are the dates and times for each of the six calls: 

  • Wednesday, March 04, 2026 – 4:00-5:00pm ET/3:00-4:00pm CT 

  • Wednesday, March 11, 2026 – 4:00-5:00pm ET/3:00-4:00pm CT 

  • Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – 4:00-5:00pm ET/3:00-4:00pm CT 

If the Advocacy Committee needs to hold a special meeting outside of the aforementioned meeting cadence, we will send an email to all members with a unique registration link to join the call.  

2025 Legislative Session Updates

Please read this Inside Indiana Business article - Under Attack: Indiana Libraries, Museums Reeling from Federal, State Funding Cuts

Please click here for ILF's Proclamation for National School Library Month

Please click here for ILF's Open Letter to Legislators on State Library Funding

Current Advocacy Committee Members

Below are the members of the 2025 Advocacy Committee - please contact the Chairs below to report an issue:

  • Vanessa Martin - Co-Chair
  • Julie Wendorf - Co-Chair
  • Austin Stroud - ILF President
  • Chris Bandy - Taft Public Affairs
  • Mark Shublak - Taft Public Affairs
  • Susan Baier
  • Sarah Corell
  • Jason Hatton
  • Kelly Hladek
  • Scott Kinney
  • Jake Speer
  • Bob Swanay
  • Edra Waterman
  • Shane White

Previous Statements

Please click here for ILF's Statement on the Amended SB 1: Property Tax Reform
Please click here for ILF's Official Statement on IMLS Funding Cuts

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The Library Advocacy Update is issued weekly during the legislative session for anyone who subscribes. The 2026 legislative session is expected to  wrap by end of February 2026. ILF membership is required to receive these weekly updates.

Be an Advocacy Insider

ILF works on behalf of all libraries, but if you want to be in the know, consider becoming a member today and you can access the following: 

  • Taft Reports & Bill Tracking List - members may access the "inside scoop" about statehouse happenings and bills that may affect Indiana's libraries through reports and a bill tracking list provided by Taft Communications, ILF's contracted legislative advocates.
  • Virtual Advocacy Updates - Bi-weekly updates to members via Zoom during each General Assembly session.
  • Advocacy Committee Minutes - members can read through recent ILF Advocacy Committee minutes to see what policy issues are being debated internally.

Take Action

Learn how you can take action and influence policy makers to the range of services the modern library provides. 

Questions? Please contact Kyle Hickman, Executive Director.