A new statewide poll reveals Michigan voters increasingly oppose book bans and strongly support their local public libraries. The new poll follows a similar statewide survey on library issues conducted in March 2023, both commissioned by the Michigan Library Association (MLA) and conducted by the public opinion survey and research firm EPIC-MRA. Results confirm a growing statewide resistance to censorship efforts targeting library collections and a significant increase in strong support for public libraries since 2023.
Key findings show:
• 79% approve of Michigan libraries’ work (up from 71%)
• 75% trust librarians’ collection decisions
• 50% now say books should never be banned (flipped from 42% in 2023)
• 84% support current library policies on age-appropriate shelving
• Only 4% blame libraries for children accessing objectionable content
“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.”
*846-sample live operator statewide survey conducted June 6-15, 2025. Included 80% cell phone only respondents – Margin of Error 3.5 points.
