Advocacy & Legislation Updates
Each year there are bills proposed in the Iowa Legislative sessions that have the potential to impact public libraries and the services we provide to our communities. To provide feedback, click here to find your Iowa Legislators and Representatives.
March 19, 2025
Earlier this month we shared a letter from our three supporting boards regarding current Iowa legislation (see letter below), unfortunately these items and more are threatening the services and materials provided at libraries.
The State Library of Iowa relies on Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding from the IMLS to deliver statewide library development initiatives and services to Iowa libraries and citizens. This critical funding is tied to matching dollars from the Iowa Legislature.
These funds directly support services our patrons depend on:
- Interlibrary loan system and twice-weekly delivery service
- Annual Summer Reading Program theme & resources, and the All Iowa Reads program
- Bridges (Libby app) platform fee and magazine collection for the statewide digital library consortium
- Brainfuse HelpNow online resource
- Website hosting
- Online calendar, registration, meeting room scheduling software
- Train and support skilled public librarians and effective library boards and the State Library Endorsement program
- Standards and Accreditation program for high quality libraries
- People’s Law Library of Iowa.
HF 521 would remove the obscenity exemption for public libraries and institutions. Libraries operate under existing obscenity laws, ensuring materials that lack educational or cultural value are not on library shelves.
March 7, 2025
A letter from the three library boards that support Solon Public Library:
Public libraries have long stood as pillars of education, access to information, and community enrichment. In Iowa, our libraries not only provide resources for lifelong learning but also serve as inclusive spaces where individuals from all walks of life can gather, explore, and grow. However, recent legislative proposals—specifically HF521 and SF235—pose significant threats to the ability of public libraries to continue fulfilling these vital roles.
The Essential Role of Public Libraries
Public libraries are more than just buildings full of books; they are vibrant community hubs. They offer free access to a wealth of information, support digital literacy, and provide programs that cater to diverse interests and age groups. From early childhood storytimes that foster a love for reading to workshops that enhance job-seeking skills, libraries adapt to the evolving needs of their communities. In rural areas and underserved populations, libraries often serve as the primary, if not sole, access point to critical information and services.
Potential Impact of HF521 and SF235
House File 521 and Senate File 235 aim to modify existing obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions. While the intent behind these bills may be to protect community standards, the broad language used could lead to unintended consequences. By altering obscenity exemptions, these bills could subject libraries and educational institutions to increased legal scrutiny and potential penalties for materials deemed inappropriate by subjective standards. This shift could result in self-censorship among librarians and educators, limiting the diversity of materials available and hindering the open exchange of ideas that is fundamental to educational growth.
Consequences for Community Access and Education
If enacted, HF521 and SF235 could force libraries to remove or restrict access to a wide array of materials, including classic literature, educational content, and resources that reflect the experiences of marginalized communities. Such actions would not only diminish the richness of our library collections but also impede the ability of individuals to seek information that broadens their perspectives and fosters critical thinking. Moreover, these restrictions could disproportionately affect those who rely on public libraries for access to uncensored information, including students, researchers, and individuals without internet access at home.
Advocating for Our Libraries
It is imperative that we recognize and preserve the autonomy of public libraries to curate collections that reflect the diverse interests and needs of our communities. Rather than imposing restrictive measures, we should trust the expertise of librarians and educators to make informed decisions about the materials they provide. By doing so, we uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and ensure that libraries remain spaces where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is accessible, and community bonds are strengthened.
Sincerely,
Sandy Lawrence, President of Solon Public Library Board of Trustees
Bob King, President of Solon Public Library Foundation
Susan Scott, President of The Friends of Solon Public Library
How you can support your library:
- Get a library card
- Visit the library
- Attend a library program or two
- Use the services available at your library
- Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about library programs & services
- Check out library materials to enjoy
- Contact your legislators about current legislation (links provided above)
- Contact your City Council or County Supervisors to show your support for the library