State Library of Iowa
1112 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
United States
The Grants to States Program
The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.
Allotments
| Year | Allotment Value |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,996,489.00 |
| 2021 | $2,030,383.00 |
| 2022 | $2,028,735.00 |
| 2023 | $2,222,261.00 |
| 2024 | $2,210,343.00 |
5 Year Plan
Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| iowa5yearplan.pdf | 1.01 MB |
5 Year Evaluation
At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| iowa5yearevaluation.pdf | 1.85 MB |
“We are proud of our mission to strengthen Iowa libraries and information access for Iowans. The LSTA funds will be invested by providing Iowans access to quality information resources and tools, and ensuring that all Iowans are served by excellent local libraries that employ knowledgeable and community focused staff. We will continue to provide the framework for Iowa libraries to share resources, collaborate, and learn best practices so the Iowans they serve become productive 21st century citizens.”
-- Michael Scott, State Librarian, State Library of Iowa
Project Examples
Continuing Education and Certification
The State Library of Iowa offered continuing education for Iowa library staff and trustees to stay informed on current topics, including collection development, patrons experiencing homelessness, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. In order for a public library in Iowa to be accredited the director must be certified, and during the project period the state library updated its existing certification program to meet this need and encourage learning. Librarians who participated in the state library’s revised certification program shared positive reflections on their gains in knowledge and confidence in carrying out their work.
IMLS Funds: $46,322.61
Statewide Delivery
The State Library of Iowa established IA Shares, a statewide delivery system for library materials to all 543 public libraries across the state. Funding contributed to state library staff’s time in establishing the program, and covered costs for a contracted courier service, a label-making system for participating libraries, and materials for packing and delivery. Each of Iowa’s 543 libraries received delivery service two times per week. Following iterative enhancements to the new system, librarians attested to its cost efficiencies and the ability to receive items they normally would not be able to obtain, with a quicker turn-around.
IMLS Funds: $396,384.67
Pandemic Response
To respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Library of Iowa used CARES Act stimulus funds to provide Protect and Disinfect kits to each of the 543 public libraries in Iowa. Each kit contained surgical face masks, gloves, all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, hand sanitizer bottles, bleach, and wipes. These kits helped keep Iowa library staff and patrons safe when libraries opened to the public. The State Library of Iowa also used CARES Act funds to provide online chat messaging statewide, allowing patrons to communicate with their local public library via a widget on the library's website. This funding enabled librarians to stay connected to the needs of their community in a contactless, convenient, and efficient way during the pandemic.
IMLS Funds: $273,683.52
Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.
Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard..
Five-Year Plan Highlights
Goal 1: Institutional Capacity - All Iowans are served by excellent local libraries that are technologically advanced and employ knowledgeable and community-focused staff who incorporate the best professional practices to deliver high-quality library services.
- Projects include:
- Continuing Education for library staff and trustees through the Endorsement Program and other resources
- Resources to support the psychosocial needs of Iowa library staff
- Connectivity and internet access in public libraries
- Website hosting and email service for Iowa libraries
- Technology projects within public libraries
- Public library space planning assistance
- Professional consulting services for library staff
- Library accreditation program
- IA Shares (interlibrary loan services)
- Investigation of alternative governing models for libraries
- Pay equity plan for Iowa libraries
- State Library operations plan
Goal 2: Information Access - All Iowans have access to quality information resources and have the assistance needed to select and use the information for personal, professional, and academic success.
- Projects include:
- Tools to access library materials
- Digital library center for heritage collections and other publications
- Storytime and STEM kits to enhance early literacy and collections in other priority areas
- Creation of the People's Law Library of Iowa, a legal information database
- State Library services plan
- Access to statistical data on Iowa’s libraries, population, and economy
- Bridges, Iowa’s eLibrary consortium for public libraries
Goal 3: Lifelong Learning - All Iowans learn to be productive 21st century citizens.
- Projects include:
- Online resources for job and career support
- Resources for libraries to support the psychosocial needs of Iowans
- Summer reading program
- Other literacy programming in libraries, such as All Iowa Reads
- Early literacy skills for libraries
IMLS Data Collection
State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool.
Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.