20 Questions for Library Board Candidates

Local and municipal elections impact your local public library. 

It is important to know what candidates’ stances are on key library issues ahead of election day. Whether you are researching on your own, reaching out to candidates via email, or attending a candidate forum, you can ask library board candidates the following questions to ensure that you are informed before casting your vote.

Role of the Library and Librarians

• In what ways do you think the library can affect the lives of your constituents?
• How has your community benefited from having access to digital resources and services at the library?
• Do you believe that libraries provide essential resources to bridge the gap for digital equity and access?
• Do you feel that public libraries are an essential part of every community?
• Library boards must balance the needs of different stakeholders. Can you provide an example of how you would approach a controversial decision or disagreement among board members?

Bans and Access

• Are you concerned about the increase in book challenges and bans around the country?
• Do you support the First Amendment right to access information from public libraries?
• Do you trust librarians to select appropriate books and materials for the library?
• How will you ensure that the library remains an inclusive and welcoming space for all members of the community, regardless of age, background, or beliefs?
• Do you feel that children and teens are safe at the library?
• The right to read and to seek and receive information about any topic from multiple points of view is core to our democratic, free society. (Strongly agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
• Do you support books about sexual education, including LGBTQ+-specific health information, in public schools, K-12?
• What is your position on community members challenging items in the public library based on sincerely held religious or moral beliefs?

Role of Library Boards

• How would you ensure that library programs and services meet the evolving needs of our diverse community, including students, seniors, job seekers, and families?
• If elected, what would you do to help libraries in their work to support lifelong learning for all ages?
• What do you anticipate will be the most critical library issue you will encounter if elected?
• What do you feel is the role of the library board in developing public library collections?
• What kinds of nominees/candidates do you believe would make the best library board members?

Library Funding

• Public libraries often face funding challenges. How would you advocate for sustainable funding, and what partnerships or strategies would you pursue to strengthen financial support?
• What is your stance on library funding through local levies, state grants, and other sources? How would you work to educate the public on the importance of supporting library funding measures?

In addition to public library board candidates, candidates for your school board can impact your local community. Prepare for Election Day by seeking answers to these 20 questions for school board candidates' positions on key issues.