The Garwin Public Library pictured in the fall of 2022. Recent legislation proposed by both chambers of the Iowa General Assembly could have a significant effect on how public libraries operate in the state if passed and signed into law. PHOTO COURTESY OF GARWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY/FACEBOOK

Iowa legislators have placed a focus on public libraries recently.

House Study Bill 678 (HSB678) was introduced last Wednesday, and the Local Government subcommittee recommended passage the following day. The bill pertains to the hiring of library directors and utilizing funds for policies. It would allow a city council to hire the director and determine whether or not funds will be used for certain projects or initiatives.

Marshalltown Public Library Director Sarah Rosenblum is concerned about the legislation even while a companion bill – Senate Study Bill 3131 (SSB3131) which would have given city governments the option to defund public libraries and eliminate library boards – was tabled for the time being.

The day after the Senate bill seemingly died, HSB678 appeared in the House.

“It was a surprise,” Rosenblum said. “3131 is not moving forward, but I turned around and this bill was in the House.”

She traveled to Des Moines to speak at the Local Government subcommittee meeting, along with 14 others, and recommended HSB678 not move forward. Rosenblum wondered if the focus on libraries through HSB678 and SSB3131 is a result of the Pella Public Library happenings.

​​The Pella controversy began in 2021 when a group of residents objected to books such as “Gender Queer” having placement on the library shelves. After the library board refused to remove the book, the residents brought the matter to a vote of the citizens to give control of the library to the city council. In November 2023, voters wanted control to stay with the library board.

“There is a war on libraries,” Rosenblum said. “I am very concerned for all libraries.”

Rosenblum said she sees the public library as a gem. In the last year alone, she said more than 10,000 items were checked out by local youth at the Marshalltown Public Library.

“That is so gratifying,” Rosenblum said. “I know people are concerned about [decreased reading in children] in this country. When we have that many items, it is phenomenal.”

With so many patrons utilizing the Marshalltown Public Library for a variety of reasons — reading, learning, meetings, filling out job applications and more — she hates to see the library service jeopardized.

“We have an outstanding library,” Rosenblum said. “We stand toe-to-toe with larger libraries. The staff do a lot of hard work. This is really a dark time for libraries, and is very frustrating for us. We only want the best for our community and little ones. If someone does not like a book on a shelf, talk to us, don’t force us.”

Mayor Joel Greer agreed with Rosenblum on the exceptional quality and importance of the Marshalltown Public Library.

“We have a national award winning library,” he said.

Greer does not see how HSB678 could be useful.

“We don’t interfere with our boards,” he said. “It takes a lot of pressure away from the city council and the mayor. They work autonomously, and it works well. The system is not broken.”

Rep. Carter Nordman (R-Adel) said he brought HSB678 forward because he heard a number of stories from city councilmen and city administrators in Iowa about difficulties with library boards.

“If a city believes their library board is perfect, they don’t have to touch it,” he said. “It is up to cities and is the definition of local control.”

Greer would like to see Marshalltown residents reach out to their legislators to voice opinions on the library bills, and any other bills.

“Let them know what they are doing — book banning, abortions, gun control, school vouchers — it’s run wild,” he said. “Iowa needs to go back to being ‘Iowa Nice’ and normal.”

Tama County’s rural libraries

In rural counties, the public library is just as indispensable as it is in larger communities like Marshalltown.

In Tama County alone there are nine small town public libraries including Chelsea, Clutier, Dysart, Elberon, Garwin, Gladbrook, Tama, Toledo, and Traer.

From the basics including book/audiobook/magazines/DVD/Blu-ray check-out and free access to WiFi, to more targeted help such as understanding and navigating Iowa’s unemployment insurance benefits system, the loss of library services could have a significant effect on the quality of life in small town communities.

Both the Dysart and Traer library directors – Janene Krug and Diane Panfil, respectively – declined to comment regarding the recent proposed legislation, but both directors submitted public comments as citizens to the Iowa Senate subcommittee that was considering SSB3131.

Krug commented on Feb. 3, 2024: “I am FULLY AGAINST SSB 3131. As a lifelong library user and now rural library director I see the great value libraries bring to our communities. Iowa libraries are vibrant thriving spaces where people can access information, services, and materials. This bill jeopardizes the rural and city funding needed to provide these services to our citizens.”

“Libraries provide engaging educational programs for early and lifelong learners, access to technology, material collections and workforce development resources. Without funding, Iowa citizens will lose free access to these services.”

“This bill [also] takes away autonomy from library board members. Library board members are the voice of the community and are appointed by the mayor. Library trustees participate in regular training to become knowledgeable about library principles. They are dedicated volunteer citizens who strive to create effective partnerships with [the] city council and the communities they serve. … This legislation will be devastating to our libraries and the Iowans who rely on library services and programming.”

Diane Panfil also commented on Feb. 3: “As a current Library Director, former Library Board Trustee, and lifetime library user, I am strongly opposed to SSB 3131. Such a drastic measure threatens the operational and financial sustainability of communities and their libraries.”

“Local library boards are dedicated, trained volunteers who are best positioned to allocate funds, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed and will best serve their communities. While our current City Council is very supportive of our library, that may not always be the case. And I can guarantee that they do not need, or want, the added responsibility of monitoring the day to day operations of running a library.”

“Our local library offers services to those in our community (approximately 1,500 residents), surrounding communities, and surrounding rural areas. Libraries provide access to information, technology, entertainment, and cultural enrichment. Libraries are way more than just books; they have become community centers and are often a vital part of smaller communities. Our library offers a variety of programs for adults and children of all ages. In the past [two] years we have had over 10,500 attendees at free programs! Not bad for a small town!”

“If this bill moves forward, Iowans lose, and no one wins.”

On Monday, Feb. 12, the Iowa Library Association released a list of signatures featuring Iowa mayors, councilors, city directors and clerks “in opposition of the three public library-board adverse bills filed in 2024 by the Iowa State Legislature.”

Among the signatures were those of Traer City Councilor Jon Panfil who was previously employed as Traer’s city clerk for two decades, and Jane Whittlesey the current city clerk of La Porte City.

As part of the letter, ILA Past President and Government Affairs Chair Sam Helmick wrote, “We keep libraries local when we honor partnerships already established between city councils and library boards in over 540 communities around the state. When I attend committee hearings and see lowans taking time off work to share their voice, I’m meeting folks who oppose bills that go too far. Iowans across the state are commenting on legislative webpages, and are expressing their disinterest and displeasure with state interference.”

“Let’s trust lowans with their libraries.”

In addition to checkout, libraries also offer access to newspapers and reference books; computer lab use; online access to e-books, early learning programs, FAFSA help, college entrance exams, and more; lamination, copier, printer, and fax services; InterLibrary Loan; used book sales; meeting rooms for community events; daily/weekly/monthly programming; and perhaps most important of all, a sense of community.

Sun Courier note: Since this story went to press, House Study Bill 678 stalled in subcommittee and will more than likely not move forward this legislative session.