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Advocacy

 

IMLS

On March 14, an Executive Order was issued calling for the dissolution of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) along with six other federal agencies. In Fiscal Year 2024, the IMLS had a budget of $294.8 million, of which over $211 million was allocated to library services through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), the only source of federal funding for libraries in the United States.

LSTA funding plays a vital role in supporting the State Library of Iowa's services, programs, and resources that benefit libraries and residents in Iowa. Key services include:

  • IA Shares Delivery Service: A twice-weekly delivery service to every public library in Iowa, facilitating material sharing among libraries.
  • Accreditation and Standards: Promoting the development of high-quality libraries in Iowa.
  • Endorsement Program: Offering foundational knowledge, skills, and recognition for library staff.
  • State of Iowa Libraries Online (SILO): A platform for resource sharing through interlibrary loan transactions.
  • Summer Library Program: Providing public libraries with resources for a comprehensive summer literacy program.
  • Continuing Education: Professional development opportunities for library directors, staff, and trustees.

 

State Legislation

The following bills impact public libraries and are still active after the Iowa Legislature’s first funnel in early March.

HF 880
HF 880 proposes to eliminate state funding for libraries that are members of professional associations. This bill has successfully passed the initial review stage of the session and is scheduled for discussion on the House Floor.

HF 521
HF 521 seeks to remove the obscenity exemption for public libraries and educational institutions, which could expose those organizations to legal action for providing access to legally permissible library materials. This bill has also passed the initial review stage of the session and is set for discussion on the House Floor.

 

Advocate for Davenport Public Library

Davenport Public Library is proud to be supported by our vibrant and diverse community! The resources on this page are intended to make it easy for you to share information about the value of The Library with your friends and family and to advocate with your elected officials and other community stakeholders. 
 
Advocacy is critical for public libraries! By telling others about The Library, you are: 
  • Showing how The Library positively impacts Davenport by connecting a diverse community to resources that educate, enrich, and entertain. 
  • Spreading awareness of free services that many in our community may not otherwise know about or have access to.
  • Advocating for funding to meet our community’s needs through The Library’s resources. 
 
Here are some messages you can share in your networks to show the value of The Library! 
  
  • “Davenport Public Library connects a diverse community to resources that educate, enrich, and entertain.”
  • "Davenport Public Library aspires to create a community-wide culture of learning where everyone is empowered."
  • “Through its curation of library materials, engaging public programming, and high-quality services, The Library seeks to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.” 
  • “Davenport Public Library invests in our community’s future by offering thousands of books and other items for checkout and hundreds of educational and entertaining programs free of charge to everyone in the community.” 
 
 

Additional Resources 

Share your Library Story!

Talking about how The Library positively impacted your life is an important part of advocacy! If you have a story that we can share with elected officials and other stakeholders, please share below.

*By submitting this form, you give Davenport Public Library permission to publish your story. When we share stories, we typically display only your first name and last initial. Not all submissions are published.

FRIENDS of The Library

 

Did you know? The FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library provide 100% of funding for The Library's programs! The FRIENDS raise funds and manage an endowment portfolio to support The Library.

Learn more about the FRIENDS

Volunteer at The Library

There are several ways to help The Library! The descriptions below provide more details about volunteer positions. All volunteer positions require a criminal history background check.

 

Apply to become a Volunteer

Want to volunteer and help take The Library to new heights? Fill out the form here and staff will be in contact! Teen volunteers should get in contact with our Teen Librarian.