Indiana Library consolidation bill includes voter opt-out

A measure now before the Indiana Senate would allow library districts to opt out of proposed reorganization efforts with a little help from voters.

Senate Bill 348 would establish a service planning committee in each county to craft a plan for a consolidated county library system or draw up -- and defend -- a proposal to maintain multiple library districts.

The effort is a product of the Kernan-Shepard local government reform commission, which found that 6.5 percent of the state's population -- in pockets of 38 counties -- does not have access to library services.