John Chrastka

Most library measures passed in 2023, but the year also saw confusingly worded ballots and little new funding.

Libraries return to the ballot box following a COVID-impacted pause.

Library budgets continued to rebound in 2022, with the largest upticks in a decade—and a continued focus on pandemic-era community needs.

The vast majority of 2021 library ballot measures passed, but few were put to a vote, and fewer asked for new funding.

It is important for library leaders to realize that every other local organization or unit of government who responded to the COVID disaster with compassion, engagement, and their best efforts also has a great story to tell. During times of austerity, the narratives that matter are about direct and measurable outcomes for people who used your service, visited your program, accessed your collections, or interacted with your staff.

Referenda: 2019 library ballot measures see success in renewals, less for new funding.

Voters spoke, and to a large extent, libraries continued to find support at the ballot box in 2018. After a striking level of wins in 2017, libraries on the ballot in 2018 have reset back to average historical pass/fail levels for a midterm election year—with a nonetheless healthy 79% passing overall.