New research shows Ohioans strongly value local library services — and support local funding that keeps them strong
New research shows Ohioans strongly value local library services — and support local funding that keeps them strong
COLUMBUS — New statewide research shows overwhelming bipartisan support for Ohio’s public libraries and township governments, with voters saying these services are essential to everyday life.
The January 2026 survey of Ohio voters finds that libraries and townships rank among the most trusted and highest-valued public services in the state.
“Ohioans view their libraries and township services as everyday necessities, not optional amenities,” said Neil Newhouse, a nationally respected pollster with Washington-based Public Opinion Strategies who conducted the research. “What the data show is that appreciation for the services comes first. When voters understand how those services are funded locally, support for maintaining that funding follows.”
Across Ohio, public libraries rely on locally approved property tax levies, which now account for more than half of their overall funding statewide. Townships rely heavily on locally approved property taxes — about two-thirds of their revenue on average to fund essential services.
While most residents don’t initially understand how townships and libraries are funded, the research finds that once Ohioans learn these services rely primarily on locally approved property taxes, strong majorities support keeping that local funding in place.
Ohio’s Public Libraries: Providing Everyday Services Residents Rely On
Libraries support children and families through early literacy programs, tutoring, and after-school spaces. They strengthen the workforce by helping residents search for jobs, build skills, and access career training. They bridge the digital divide with free Wi-Fi, computers, and technology assistance. And they deliver everyday services such as printing, notary work, and access to government resources. According to the research:
- 92% of Ohioans say public libraries are important to their local community, and rank among the highest rated local services
- 69% recall a specific time their library helped them personally
- 87% say they get their money’s worth from library services for the taxes they pay
- 71% believe libraries provide many of the most basic services people rely on every day
Nearly half of Ohio voters say they or a family member used a library service in the past month, and nearly two-thirds have done so within the past few months
"Ohioans don't just appreciate their libraries, they rely on them on a daily basis," said Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council. "They are locally supported, widely used, and deeply embedded in their communities. This research shows that people see real, personal value in the services libraries provide. They understand that library funding isn't abstract."
As one Ohioan said: “Local libraries give my kids a safe place to study, borrow books, and access Wi-Fi after school… I rely on the library as a neighborhood hub, with free Wi-Fi for job hunts and room for study groups.”
Another added: “They helped me write a resume, print it, and find jobs to send it to. They provide job counseling, job postings, and ways to acquire materials.”
Among the most trusted and widely used public institutions in the state, Ohio’s 251 public library systems are free, welcoming hubs that support daily life at every stage. With some of the highest library usage rates in the nation, Ohio libraries log more than 48 million visits each year, and 7.4 million Ohioans hold library cards, underscoring their central role in communities across the state.
Independent economic analysis shows that every $1 invested in Ohio’s libraries returns more than $4 in value, generating over $3 billion in statewide economic impact.
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