A library card strengthens communities

September is Library Card Sign Up Month, a time to celebrate not just the tradition of libraries, but the unique role they play in our state’s identity. In Iowa, we are fortunate to have one of the most robust library systems in the country, with 544 public libraries serving our communities. We have more libraries per capita than any other state, making it clear that we value access to knowledge, education, and opportunity for all.

Having a library card in Iowa is more than just a way to check out books. It is a connection to a network of services that support learning, growth, and community. Libraries offer everything from job-readiness workshops and technology training to family literacy programs and local history resources. Over 75% of Iowans own at least one library card, a remarkable statistic that speaks to how deeply libraries are woven into the fabric of our state.

Libraries are where common ground is lived. A student and a retiree may sit side by side at a technology workshop. A new parent and a lifelong resident may share stories during storytime. A job seeker may find guidance from a librarian who may not have walked in their shoes but knows how to help them take the next step. These moments, small but profound, remind us that libraries are not just places to access information but places to connect, learn, and grow together.

Iowa’s libraries are not only vital today; they are part of our state’s rich history. In fact, it was in Iowa that the Library Bill of Rights was written before being adopted by the American Library Association, setting an international standard for intellectual freedom and access to information. It’s a powerful legacy that reminds us libraries are places where all are free to read, explore, and engage with ideas.

At a time when our public square can feel fractured, libraries remain a rare space of connection and belonging. A library card is more than a pass to information, it is an invitation to shared growth. It asks us to read and learn, but also to gather, question, and imagine together.

This September, as we celebrate Library Card Sign Up Month, I encourage all Iowans to visit their local library and see for themselves the incredible resources available to them. If you don’t yet have a card, now is the perfect time to sign up. If you already have one, take the opportunity to rediscover the wealth of knowledge and community that your library offers. Every visit strengthens not only your own horizons but also the bonds that hold our communities together.

Learn more about the power of libraries at ilovelibraries.org.

Sam Helmick is president of the American Library Association, former president of the Iowa Library Association and former chair, of the Iowa Governor’s Commission of Libraries. Helmick lives in Iowa City.