Indiana Library Federation - ILF

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

📚 Our reading rut 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.

Public libraries are essential community infrastructure.

According to the 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, 98% of Hoosiers believe that everyone should have access to a public library.

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

Don't miss your chance to save!

The Standard Registration Deadline for the 2026 ILF Annual Conference: Libraries at the Crossroads of Learning is coming up on Wednesday, September 30. Register now to secure your spot and take advantage of current pricing before rates increase.

Join over 350 library professionals from across Indiana for inspiring keynote speakers, practical sessions, networking opportunities, and ideas you can bring back to your community.

Register today before the deadline passes: https://bit.ly/4tKZC9E

The wait is over! The inaugural issue of Crossroads: The Journal of Indiana Libraries is now available.

Published by the Indiana Library Federation, Crossroads showcases research, innovative ideas, and professional perspectives from library leaders and practitioners across Indiana.

Explore Volume 1, Number 1 and discover the conversations, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of libraries in our state.

Read the issue: https://bit.ly/4hGXwod

What do Hoosiers really think about libraries?

The results are in.

The Indiana Library Federation's 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project surveyed 800 Indiana residents from communities across the state to better understand how Hoosiers view public and school libraries, access to information, literacy, library funding, and the role libraries play in their communities. The findings reveal overwhelming support for libraries, librarians, and the services they provide across Indiana.

From support for public library access and licensed school librarians to confidence in librarians and strong backing for key library programs, this data provides a powerful snapshot of public opinion and a valuable tool for advocacy.

This is just the beginning. Throughout the next few months, we'll be sharing key findings from the Polling Project and exploring what they mean for libraries, communities, and policymakers across Indiana.

Special thanks to our Polling Project partners and supporters who helped make this initiative possible: MCLS - Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, EPIC-MRA, EveryLibrary, Taft Public Affairs Public Affairs, and the ILF Advocacy Committee.

Congratulations to ILF AISLE and Communications Chair, Rain Smith, School Library Media Specialist at Whiteland Community High School, on being featured in School Library Journal's national back-to-school spotlight! Rain shared her experiences navigating a major school renovation while continuing to advocate for student access to library services and the future of school librarianship in Indiana.

Rain's dedication to students, school libraries, and the profession exemplifies the leadership found in libraries across Indiana. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!

Check it out: https://ow.ly/3zH050ZFFHb

Today, we join millions around the world in honoring the life and legacy of Dolly Parton.

While many know Dolly as an iconic entertainer, libraries know her as one of the greatest champions of our generation has ever seen. Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, she helped inspire a love of reading in children and families, placing books into the hands of young readers and opening doors to learning, imagination, and opportunity. The program has gifted millions of books to children around the world and has transformed countless lives through the power of reading.

At the Indiana Library Federation, we are grateful for Dolly Parton's unwavering belief that books can change lives. Her commitment to literacy, education, and equitable access to reading reflects the very values that libraries champion every day.

Her voice, generosity, and advocacy will continue to inspire readers, librarians, and communities for generations to come.

Thank you, Dolly. 💝

NEW: The FCC has officially published its new proposals for E-Rate, which include possible elimination of this essential program. We need to make our voices heard. You can submit a formal comment to the agency urging them to protect E-Rate, which provides broadband discounts to libraries and schools in every state.

Check out our new comment filing template and more resources at our E-Rate campaign home page - comments to the FCC are due October 13, 2026: ala.org/erate

And you still have time to tell Congress to . Take action now: action.ala.org/campaign/saveourerate/

The Indiana library community is thinking of Yorktown Public Library and all those impacted by the recent flooding in Indiana. We know libraries are more than buildings. They are places of connection, learning, and support. As recovery efforts continue, we are wishing safety, strength, and healing to the Yorktown community and to all Indiana residents affected by severe weather.