Write, Call, e-mail

Libraries across Iowa need your help! Please contact the Governor and your legislative representatives and tell them that a 1.1 million dollar cut to libraries is unacceptable in a state budget projected to increase by 6%

Governor Culver's proposed FY 2009 budget proposal cuts state library funding by 18%! That's $1,119,442. Should this proposal stand, the following programs or agencies will see cuts: State Library, $135,000; Library Service Areas, $259,442; and Enrich Iowa $725,000.

What does this mean to you?

First, libraries across the state will have substantially less money to spend on materials, programming and technology. Public libraries use Enrich Iowa monies to supplement and extend services. Without state dollars expect longer waits for books, fewer programs for children, less computer access, and diminished outreach efforts. In addition, state wide reciprocal borrowing could be in jeopordy.

Second, reductions to Library Service Areas (LSA) affects continuing education for library staff. Smaller libraries with the fewest resources will feel this reduction most deeply.

Third, the proposed reduction in State Library funds indirectly impacts public library budgets throughout the state. The State Library uses its monies, in part, to negotiate statewide acquistions of electronic databases that benefit all Iowans. The State Library can negotiate better prices and extend budgets for larger libraries and offers products that would otherwise be unavailable in smaller communities.


Fourth, Iowa currently ranks 30th in state support to libraries. A cut of more than a $1,000,000 would reduce funding to pre 1999 levels and place Iowa in the bottom tier of support for libraries. In addition, the propsed cut could jeopordize federal funds received by the State Library.

I sincerely hope you choose to contact the Governor and your local legislators. This is how to access them:

E-mail the Governor
chet.culver@iowa.gov

Write the Governor
Office of The Governor and Lt. Governor
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50319

Call the Office of The Governor
515.281.5211

Addresses for your legislators available online at:

Senate: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/aspx/Legislators/SenateEmail.aspx
House: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/aspx/Legislators/HouseEmail.aspx

or contact your local library for more contact information.

Welcome -- We'd like to hear from you!

I hope you like our library's new web presence. Staff have worked for several months to make our web site more navigable and convenient for our customers. All of us would be interested in your comments and suggestions on how we can continue to improve the site.

In the coming months, our library will be making efforts to increase its electronic footprint. Expect investments in online tutoring, downloadable audio, and perhaps downloadable video. We need to know: if we buy it, will you use it?

The nature of our traditional reference services is also changing. More and more of what we offer will be digital products that are available in the library as well as 24/7 from your home computer. Take the time to explore the products available to you through our web page and don't hesitate to let us know what you think of current products and to make suggestions for future acquisition.

Ultimately our responsibility is to provide a good return on investment to the Des Moines community that supports us with their tax dollars. While we have many measures, one of the best is your input. Are you getting your money's worth?