Review of Recent Book Ban Polls and Voter Surveys

The EveryLibrary Institute has collected and analyzed polling and surveys about book bans, anti-access legislation, and the perception of libraries and librarians. 

We have compiled voter-facing polls conducted by issue advocacy groups, new media, and research institutions since our previous review of book ban polls and voter surveys in January 2025.

Our 2025 review of surveys showed that book bans result from a minority of special-interest actors pushing minority opinions, and that the majority of American voters do not support censorship in public and school libraries. Trust in the profession and in library professionals remains high, and the public wants librarians to be in control of collection development decisions.  

These new surveys suggest that public trust in libraries and librarians remains very high. Strong majorities support the role of public libraries and the professional expertise of librarians, believing they should be trusted to make collection development decisions. Support for libraries appears to extend across political affiliations.

The surveys also indicate that most people oppose broad book bans and instead favor access to a wide range of ideas. Respondents generally prefer concerns about library materials to be addressed through existing library policies rather than blanket restrictions or widespread censorship.

While some people express concerns about children encountering materials they consider inappropriate, most do not view librarians as acting irresponsibly. Instead, librarians are widely seen as trusted professionals capable of making informed decisions about library collections.

The findings suggest that debates over book censorship are more nuanced than a simple partisan divide. People across the political spectrum may support restricting materials that conflict with their own values, yet there remains broad support for intellectual freedom and opposition to censorship as a general principle. 

These surveys build a consistent picture, most respondents value libraries, trust librarians, and support access to diverse information.

What do Michiganders Really Think? MLA Public Opinion Survey on Public Librarians and Book Banning

(Michigan Library Association, June 2025) 

“It’s incredibly gratifying to see the survey results affirm what library staff across Michigan experience every day — that the public trusts their librarians, values intellectual freedom, and believes that everyone deserves to see their story reflected on our shelves,” said Jenny Marr, MLA Board President and Executive Director at Capital Area District Libraries. “It’s also a powerful reminder, especially in communities facing challenges, that while there may be voices loudly opposing the freedom to read, they do not represent the majority of people in our state.” 

• Views on collection development 

  • 50% now say books should never be banned (flipped from 42% in 2023).

• Perceptions of librarians

  • 79% approve of Michigan libraries' work (up from 71%).

  • 75% trust librarians' collection decisions.

  • 84% support current library policies on age-appropriate shelving.

  • Only 4% blame libraries for children accessing objectionable content. 

The Polarization of Literary Censorship in the U.S

(National Library of Medicine, September 2025)

“The results provide limited support for the hypothesis that censorship has become ideologically polarized, based on the need to protect children from exposure to books perceived as threatening to ideologically aligned core values. The survey indicated widespread opposition to literary censorship that spans ideological divisions, but both liberals and conservatives were more inclined to support censorship of materials that deviated from their respective values and beliefs.” 

• Views on collection development 

  • Liberals are more likely to support censoring books that valorize white slave owners, oppose publishing by white males, and oppose adding more Christian-themed books.

  • Conservatives are more likely to support censoring books with LGBTQ+ themes or transgender characters, and books about racism. On ideologically neutral censorship statements (e.g., book burning, removing books to avoid upsetting parents), conservatives were generally more supportive of censorship than liberals.

Public Library Public Opinion Poll

(Texas Library Association, January 2026)

“At a time when public discourse has questioned the relevance of libraries and the role of librarians, the data tells a very different story: Texans across political perspectives and demographics strongly support their libraries, trust library professionals, and believe in maintaining broad access to information.”

• Views on collection development 

  • 92% agree librarians should ensure collections meet local informational, educational, and cultural needs.

  • 94% agree libraries should provide access to a broad range of information and ideas

  • 72% believe decisions about age-appropriate materials should be made at the local level, by parents and professional librarians, rather than through broad restrictions.

• Perceptions of librarians and libraries 

  • 95% agree that public libraries play a vital role in providing free and equitable access to information, promoting literacy, and supporting workforce readiness.

  • 90% say libraries should be treated as an essential public service—placing them alongside other critical community infrastructure.

  • 89% trusted librarians in their ability to select materials that reflect community needs and interests.