Business Journal readers overwhelmingly opposed privatizing Fresno County’s public library system, with nearly eight in 10 respondents favoring continued public operation.
In the latest Business Journal online poll, 78% of respondents said libraries should remain publicly operated, while 17% supported privatization if it saves taxpayer money. The remaining 5% were unsure.
The poll received 81 votes and is an informal reader survey, not a scientific sample of Fresno County voters or residents.
The results come as Fresno County supervisors have considered privatizing the county’s public library system, with a study examining potential annual cost savings of $7 million to $9 million.
Since the poll was conducted, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted Sept. 22 to remove the library privatization item from its Oct. 20 agenda and all remaining board meetings in 2026.
Poll results
Should Fresno County privatize its public library system?
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No, libraries should remain publicly operated: 78%
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Yes, if it saves taxpayer money: 17%
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Unsure: 5%
Total votes: 81
The 61-percentage-point gap reflects strong opposition to privatization among Business Journal poll respondents, even as county officials explored the possibility of reducing operating costs. With the proposal removed from the board’s remaining 2026 agendas, the future of library privatization discussions remains uncertain.
