Indiana Library Federation - ILF

10/14/2026

Public libraries serve real community needs.

According to the 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, 83% of Hoosiers who responded to the poll visit their public library to check out books.

What do you use your public library for?

Learn more about the poll at https://bit.ly/3TtsFSY

10/13/2026

Libraries are on the front lines of community care.

A recent Indiana Capital Chronicle article highlights the growing role Indiana library professionals play in supporting individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral health challenges, and the importance of giving staff practical tools and training to respond.

That’s exactly why ILF Mental Health Trainings with Mental Health America of Indiana matter. By investing in our library professionals, we’re helping them feel better prepared to support their communities while navigating challenging situations.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3UtX8Rf

Librarians have become a mental health front line, and we should support them in this unexpected role.

10/12/2026

Support for public libraries includes support for funding.

According to the 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, 83% of Hoosiers support maintaining public library budget funding.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3TtsFSY

10/08/2026

Hoosiers believe that choice matters.

According to the 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, 98% of Hoosiers believe parents should have the right to choose materials for their own children.

reminds us that every family should have the freedom to make their own choices. Libraries provide access to a wide range of materials, while parents decide what is right for their own children.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3TtsFSY

10/06/2026

Hoosiers oppose criminalizing librarians.

During Banned Books Week, it's worth noting that Hoosiers support librarians and the important work they do. Libraries help communities access information, explore ideas, and make informed choices.

According to the 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, 88% of Hoosiers oppose criminal penalties for librarians over objectionable materials.

Learn more about the poll at: https://bit.ly/3TtsFSY

10/05/2026

Join Indiana Freedom to Read and other Hoosiers across the state at a Banned Books Week Event!

Banned Books Week is here! Join readers, libraries, bookstores, and advocates across Indiana as we celebrate the freedom to read and stand against censorship. From read-ins and book discussions to community conversations, there are events happening all week across the state. Find one near you and make your voice heard.

📚 Indiana Banned Books Week Events

October 4-10
1. Evansville (Vanderburgh County) – Fahrenheit 451 Student Project Display at North Park Branch

October 5 [TODAY]
1. Decatur (Adams County) – Right to Read-In, 5-7:15 p.m.
2. Greensburg (Decatur County) – Banned Books Week Event, 5:30 p.m. Register: https://greensburglibrary.libcal.com/event/17378871

October 6
1. Indianapolis (Marion County) – Indianapolis Public Library Read-In, 12 p.m.
2. Indianapolis (Marion County) – Cat's Cradle Discussion, 6 p.m. Register: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblenortheastindiana/event/1007366/

October 7
1. Oxford (Benton County) – Oxford Public Library, 12 p.m.
2. Merrillville (Lake County) – Read-In, 6 p.m.

October 10
1. Goshen (Elkhart County) – Fable Books Read-In, 10 a.m.
2. Zionsville (Hendricks County) – Banned Books Week Read-In, 1-3 p.m. Register: https://hmmpl.org/libcal/
3. Whiteland (Johnson County) – Read or Discuss Banned Books, 3 p.m.
4. Bloomington (Monroe County) – Sold Book Discussion, 3 p.m. Register: https://calendar.mcpl.info/event/17181030
5. Terre Haute (Vigo County) – Investigating Area 680: A Banned Books Read-In, 3 p.m. Details: https://vigocounty.librarycalendar.com/index.php/event/banned-books-read-70683
6. Bloomington (Monroe County) – Boozy Book Fair & Banned Books Discussion, 6-9 p.m. More Info: https://wonderlab.org/boozy-book-fair/

10/02/2026

School libraries and librarians matter.

According to the 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, 91% of Hoosiers support requiring a certified school librarian in every school district.

Did you know? Certified school librarians support reading, research, information literacy, and student success while helping learners navigate an increasingly complex information environment.

Learn more about the polling project: https://bit.ly/3TtsFSY.

10/01/2026

Registration is open for a series of virtual mental health trainings available exclusively to individual ILF members through a partnership with Mental Health America of Indiana and Molina Healthcare.

1. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a full-day certification course that teaches participants how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Attendees will gain practical tools to support colleagues, patrons, and community members until appropriate help can be provided.

2. Verbal De-escalation Training is a focused one-hour session designed to help participants manage difficult interactions, reduce tension, and respond effectively during challenging situations in library settings.

Multiple sessions are available through spring 2027, making it easy to find a date that fits your schedule. An additional, weekly, wellness & support group is also available to ILF Individual Members.

Learn more and register today: https://bit.ly/4jyFV3c

09/30/2026

Public and school libraries reflect and serve the whole community.

According to the 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, 97% of Hoosiers agree that freedom of speech is a core library value.

Did you know? Indiana libraries support the freedom to explore ideas by connecting readers with collections, research tools, local history, and resources representing many perspectives.

Learn more about the poll at https://bit.ly/3TtsFSY.

09/29/2026

Indiana ranks 8th in the nation for the number of checkouts per Hoosier from our public libraries!

This fun fact and more were the highlight today for Indiana subscribers to Axios. Reading is the focus of today's 5 things to know, and in item number four we learn that Hoosiers love and use our public libraries.

Check it out! https://bit.ly/4AFIuGM

By the numbers: Back in 2005, 27% of people 15 and older read for pleasure on an average day, but the numbers have declined over the past two decades, per data from the American Time Use Survey.