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 primary 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.

 

You can find more information at www.saveimls.org.

 

SPECIAL LIBRARY LEVY

Legislation passed in 2023, HF718, eliminated the Special Library Levy.

This levy was a local voter-approved property tax that allowed residents to tax themsleves $0.27 per $1,000 assessed value to provide for enhanced library service in their community. The voters and residents of Davenport passed a levy in 2003, which allowed Davenport Public Library to build and staff our two branch libraries - Fairmount and Eastern.

This Issue Brief highlights the challenges faced by institutions and communities that previously relied on these levies. Numerous libraries and museums that depend on this funding are experiencing significant difficulties, particularly in rural areas, should the levies not be restored. A call to action has been issued by those in the library and museum community, as the legislature is currently deliberating additional property tax bills, HSB313/SSB1208 & SSB1227, and advocates believe this represents the best chance for the restoration of the levies.

You may wish to contact your legislators and share this information with anyone who supports libraries and museums in Iowa.

 

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: 

 

Here are some messages you can share in your networks to show the value of The Library! 

  

 

 

Additional Resources