What Hoosiers Think
About Libraries
A statewide survey of Indiana residents reveals overwhelming support for libraries, librarians, literacy, intellectual freedom, and access to information.
Interested in the methodology? Download the complete list of questions asked during the 2026 statewide polling project, which gathered responses from 800 Indiana residents.
Download Polling Questions
About the Data: Unless otherwise noted, percentages shown throughout this page represent respondents who selected "Agree" or "Strongly Agree" when asked about each statement.
Public Library Findings
Indiana residents strongly support public libraries as essential community infrastructure.
Public Libraries Are Essential
Community Infrastructure
98%
Every Hoosier Should Have Access to a Local Public Library
Indiana residents overwhelmingly support ensuring every individual has access to a public library. Libraries are viewed as essential community resources that support reading, learning, workforce development, civic participation, and community connection.
73%
Positive Job Rating
Hoosiers rate their local public libraries positively.
65%
Library Users
Use public libraries frequently or occasionally.
Hoosiers Trust Public Libraries
Survey responses show strong confidence in librarians, library governance, and the stewardship of public funds.
74%
Librarians are capable of selecting books and library materials.
75%
Support keeping public library boards nonpartisan.
71%
Are confident public libraries use taxpayer dollars efficiently.
Public Libraries Serve Real
Community Needs
Public library usage is centered around practical needs including reading, learning, technology access, children's programming, community resources, and everyday services. The percentages below represent how Hoosiers use their local library.
55%
Materials Beyond Books
53%
Quiet Study & Reading Space
45%
Children's Programming
44%
Printing, Copying & Faxing
Public & School Libraries Reflect
and Serve the Whole Community
91%
agree library collections should reflect the entire community
97%
agree freedom of speech is a core library value
Choice Matters
98%
Parents should have the right to choose materials for their own children.
86%
Others should not dictate library choices for other families.
Support for Public Libraries
Includes Support for Funding
83%
Support Maintaining Public Library Budgets
76%
Support Slightly Higher Taxes if Needed to Fund Public Library Service
72%
Believe Public Libraries Provide Greater Value Than Cost
Statewide Library Programs Matter
88%
Support Restoring State Funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
87%
Support Restoring State Funding for INSPIRE Indiana (Educational Databases)
School Library Findings
Indiana residents strongly support school libraries and licensed school librarians.
School Librarians Matter
91%
support requiring every Indiana public school district to employ at least one licensed school librarian
91%
believe licensed school librarians positively impact reading achievement
88%
Oppose Criminalizing Librarians
Indiana residents overwhelmingly oppose laws that would make librarians criminally liable for including materials some individuals may find objectionable.
Key Takeaways
98% support access to public libraries.
97% support freedom of speech in libraries.
91% support public library collections reflecting the entire community.
91% support licensed school librarians.
88% oppose criminalizing librarians.
83% support maintaining public library funding.
Questions or Feedback?
Questions about advocacy, the Polling Project, or related library initiatives? Contact the Indiana Library Federation Advocacy Team at [email protected] .
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