Voice support for library funding in Iowa

As the Iowa Library Association President, I seek your support to Iowa communities affected by House File 718 as levy dollars funding services in approximately 17.7 percent of Iowa’s libraries are now in jeopardy.

While at first glance it might seem that the new tax exemption law lowers costs to Iowans, more accurately it allows legal reappropriation from the intended purpose to a less clear designation. Rather than mitigate increases, the law continues to collect tax initiated through personal community choice for stronger libraries and allows cities to shift funds from libraries to other projects which would typically be funded by increased taxes. The result eliminates the option for communities to create future library levies and will significantly diminish the impact and capacity of Iowa libraries.

In 97 communities across the state, Iowans successfully petitioned for a library levy to be placed on their ballot. Iowans in those communities then voted by the required margin to obtain levies for library services. Subsequently, these communities gained stronger access to information, literacy, learning, entertainment, technical help, and community-building through these levies.

Levies are the most perfect form of representation through taxation. The voters of the communities proudly served by these libraries not only agreed through a petition to add the levy to the ballot, but also voted to tax themselves in order to fund their priorities.

Levy dollars account for significant portions of the operating budget in public libraries around the state. These funds enable circulation of materials, provide robust reference services, and support job seeking, entrepreneurial and economic development, lifelong learning, and social welfare.

• Looking for a job or new home? Use library resources to write the next big chapter in your life.

• Figuring out new technology? Chat with a helpful, knowledgeable librarian for tips.

• Printing government or medical forms? Stop by the library for assistance and access to supplies.

• Seeking a new skill, hobby, recipe, or philosophy? Browse the library catalog.

• In need of a comfortable space to gather which is free to the public? Use a library meeting room.

• Seeking high-quality family events or classes supporting personal growth? Attend a library program.

• Balancing your personal budget? Take advantage of free library materials, classes, and databases.

Without these dedicated funds, the library may not be able to maintain the level of collections, staffing, or operational hours their communities have come to rely on. If these funds are reallocated, onerous choices will emerge as libraries must decide what crucial services must be cut.

Libraries provide open access privileges to over 500 other service communities around the state, lend each other resources, and provide comprehensive support throughout Iowa. What impacts one library truly impacts us all. Please reach out to your library director today to learn how your voice can help in these crucial conversations during library board and city council meetings.

Sam Helmick is president of the Iowa Library Association.