Hey Iowa, did you know you can get a library card at any library in the state?

In 1938, as concerns of censorship rose worldwide, Des Moines Public Library Director Forrest Spaulding penned the words that would become the “Library Bill of Rights.”

The first tenet states: “Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.”

In less than a century, the seven tenets of the “Library Bill of Rights” have been amended six times, the latest in 2019. The seven tenets affirm that the policies should guide all libraries and forums for information and ideas.

In Iowa, the more than 500 public libraries across the state hope to do more.

Sam Helmick, the current American Library Association president and community and access services coordinator at Iowa City Public Library, believes libraries help build resilient and connected communities.

“(In Johnson County) we have people who are really using their libraries, whether it is to occupy themselves in the space, or to engage with the collection,” Helmick said. “On average, the Iowa City Public Library sees about 115 people through its door every hour (and has 40,209 cardholders)… Libraries are a part of the infrastructure of resilience and connection.”

In September, the ALA encouraged people to obtain a library card during “Library Card Sign-up Month.” The theme, “One Card, Endless Possibilities,” is to educate communities that the library is more than just a spot to check out books, encouraging people to explore other resources that the library offers — including checking out items such as cake pans, digital collections, CDs, DVDs, classes, and events — resources that many might not utilize on a day-to-day basis, but others rely on.

“Library Card Sign-up Month” began in 1987, when former Secretary of Education William Bennett, under the Ronald Reagan administration, said, “Let’s have a campaign … Every child should obtain a library card and use it.”

“It reminds folks to dust it off if they haven’t used it before, and that a public library collection is broad and it has a voyage of discovery and supports the community’s interest,” Helmick said. “You are going to see something on the shelf you love, and you’re going to see something right beside that you don’t vibe with at all. That is the point of a library.”

Iowa’s open access library offers statewide benefits

Obtaining a library card in Iowa isn’t restricted to a city of residence. Any Iowan can get a library card at any library in the state.

In Iowa, IMLS funding provides open access library cards, which allow residents to check out materials from the State Library collection and access certain online resources. The funding also supports IA Shares, which enables residents to return borrowed materials at any participating library, regardless of where the item was checked out.

The urge to utilize public libraries comes when books are being banned in Iowa public schools, and Executive Order 14238 aims to dismantle seven agencies, including the IMLS, responsible for supporting libraries and museums across the United States. The ALA is actively opposing the move.

“The important thing is to use your library, use as many as you’d like. Use them prolifically. Get your voice in the space,” Helmick said. “Be aware of the federal and state implications of funding, which is important because you pay federal taxes, and you deserve to benefit from them.”

People living in Iowa City, Hills, University Heights, Lone Tree, or rural Johnson County are eligible for a resident card, which grants access to all Iowa City Public Library resources, including checking out eBooks and equipment like discovery kits.

Residents across the state can obtain an open access library card at the Iowa City Public Library, which allows cardholders to check out books and magazines, access internet and attend community events.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Hey Iowa, did you know you can get a library card at any library in the state?

Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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