Presented on 5 August 2019 to the "Future of Library Design" class at Harvard University.

1. Winning Voter
Approval
John Chrastka
EveryLibrary
Before you can break ground or renovate, you need to build voter or elected officials' support for spending the money

2. About EveryLibrary
EveryLibrary
EveryLibrary
Institute

3. Civic Attitudes – USA (PEW 2016)
‣ Millennials use libraries at a higher rate than any other
demographic
‣ Parents are more likely to use libraries than adults without
children
‣ The majority of Americans hold very positive views about libraries

4. Voter Attitudes – USA (OCLC 2018)
In 2018 voters view the library as:
55% - an essential local institution
58% - advancing education
53% - a source of community pride
51% - enhancing the quality of life

5. Voter Attitudes – Ontario (FOPL 2015)
 36% believe the library is vital
 66% of Ontarians do not use the library for themselves, if at all.
22% Never
46% ‘With a family member’

6. Voter Attitudes – Ontario (FOPL 2015)
o 64% believe that closing the library would have a major negative impact on
the community
o Only 34% believe it would impact their very own families in a major
negative way.

7. Voter Attitudes – USA (PEW 2016)
o 66% say the closing of their local public library would have a major impact
on their community.
o 33% say closing the library would have a major impact on them personally,
or on their family

8. Voter Attitudes – USA (OCLC 2018)
In 2018 of all voters:
27% - Believers
31% -Questioners
21% - Suspicious
21% - No Taxes

9. Changes to Supporters 2008 - 2018

13. All Voters are Values-Voters
Same
Set of
Values

14. Not About Current Experience

15. Who Else Shares Your Values?
Populations = Compassion
Place = Pride

16. How They Listen…
 Retail Anchor
 Economic Engine
 Livability
 Tourism / Center of Town
 More than Literacy and Learning

17. Politics is About Values
Write the book
Tell their story
Be seen as an expert
Start an Exploratory Team
Get endorsed
Launch their Campaign

18. What Activates Voters for a Library Ballot?
 The Librarian is the Candidate
 The Library is the Incumbent
 Library = Librarians + Community

20. What Values are in Your Book?
Building Plan
Redesign / Refresh Plan
Service/Programs/Collections Plan
Strategic Plan and Goals
Financials and Fiduciary

21. Disconnects
Cedar Rapids, IA
Winter Park, FL
Louisburg, KS
Nostalgia vs. Change
Access vs. Homeless

22. Your Plans?
what
are

23. John Chrastka, Executive Director
EveryLibrary
john.chrastka@everylibrary.org
312-574-0316
everylibrary.org
action.everylibrary.org
@everylibrary
Facebook.com/everylibrary
Winning Voter Approval, 5 August 2019