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DES MOINES — Libraries that are “dues-paying members” of certain nationwide nonprofit organizations would be cut off from one avenue of state funding under legislation being considered by Iowa state lawmakers.
The Senate State Government Subcommittee advanced Senate File 238, which would halt state funding to public libraries from the Enrich Iowa program if they are members of nationwide nonprofit organizations that promote federal and state legislation related to libraries and engage in advocacy efforts at the federal and state levels.
Enrich Iowa, run through the State Library of Iowa, appropriates money to libraries for open access, interlibrary loan reimbursement and direct state aid.
Though it is not specifically mentioned in the bill, lawmakers and committee attendees highlighted the American Library Association as the bill’s main target. The American Library Association is the largest library membership organization.
Supporters of the legislation argue the ALA is politically motivated, and they disagree with content in specific library books.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Sandy Salmon, R-Janesville, said she appreciates library services, but believes the ALA does not protect children from sexually explicit materials.
“The ALA does not represent Iowa values of parental rights, protection of the natural modesty and innocent childhood, protection of children’s sexuality and sexual identity and protection of children from being groomed for sexual abuse and exploitation,” Salmon said.
Sen. Cindy Winkler, D-Davenport, said state funding should not be tied to organization membership, adding that ALA funding allows libraries to have access to more materials and resources.
“When we start micromanaging and taking away the leadership that is provided by our local boards in our communities, we silence the voices of the members,” Winkler said. “To associate state funding with belonging to a professional organization makes no sense at all.”
Librarians: Funding improves ‘breadth and quality’ of library services
Multiple librarians from across the state argued they rely on ALA funding for many things, including purchasing library materials and upgrading facilities to make them more accessible.
Sam Helmick, ALA president-elect and community and access services coordinator at Iowa City Public Library, said the ALA is a nonpartisan organization, highlighting that without its funding, some libraries could be forced to close.
“Iowa libraries are slowly losing their local control, year by year, without the advocacy of organizations like the American Library Association, Iowa Library Association and the Association of (Rural and Small) Libraries, our libraries could face irreversible closure,” Helmick said.
“As a conservative, as an Iowan, as a librarian and as somebody who has served the public for over two decades, I can assure you that this is not merely a matter of local policy, but a constitutional right,” Helmick added.
Chris Stoner, a librarian at the Hiawatha Public Library, said Enrich Iowa funding made up 10 percent of the library’s budget, adding that the Hiawatha Library does not use state funds to pay membership dues.
“My city government or my friends at the library organization have no issue funding participation in professional organizations,” Stoner said. “We don’t use Enrich Iowa money to pay for professional dues and memberships. We rely on Enrich Iowa money to help do exactly that, to enrich Iowa through helping us improve the breadth and quality of the library services we provide to every person in this state.”
Leslie Noble, representing the Iowa Library Association, said the ALA awarded grants to 45 Iowa libraries in 2023 and 2024.
“This initiative is for small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services and programs to better serve people with disabilities,” Noble said. “This is all money that cities and taxpayers did not have to contribute, but that benefited each city, library and community, including communities in your home districts.”
Supporter: ALA principles are ‘toxic to our republic and our state’
Supporters of the legislation, including Cheryl Elsloo, representing Protect My Innocence, argued the ALA supports providing children with materials that she does not believe are age appropriate.
“Funding should be denied to political organizations with a radical progressive agenda that promotes principles that are toxic to our republic and our state,” Elsloo said. “Iowans should not be forced to fund organizations that don’t support the compelling interest of our state to protect the innocence of children and our prosperity.”
House lawmakers advanced the companion bill, House File 284, out of subcommittee Monday.
These bills are two of several introduced in the House and Senate this year that target public libraries. Other bills moving through both chambers would remove the obscenity exemption for libraries and schools.
