(SBA) - Recent legislative changes in Iowa have led to the elimination of the 27-cent levy, which previously provided dedicated funding for public libraries and museums. When the Iowa Legislature passed House File 718 in 2023, it wiped out voter-approved funding for over 90 libraries and several museums across Iowa without offering a replacement for that critical funding. This decision is expected to significantly impact small-town libraries across the state, including those in Sergeant Bluff. Many of these libraries relied heavily on the levy for their operating budgets, and without it, they face substantial budget cuts ranging from 10 to 30 percent. Consequently, libraries may have to reduce their hours, lay off staff, and cancel programs due to budget constraints. Essential maintenance and upgrades may be postponed, leading to deteriorating facilities, and in extreme cases, some libraries might face the risk of closure if they cannot secure alternative funding. These changes will affect the community by limiting access to educational resources, reducing opportunities for community engagement, and impacting literacy and lifelong learning.
Love your local library? New cuts to federal library funding are putting important community institutions at risk nationwide. While everyone knows that libraries support communities by providing area residents with books and other media, what they may not realize is that libraries serve other vital functions. They also provide children’s literacy programming, classes and workshops for adults, career development assistance, free use of computers, and more.
Sergeant Bluff residents who wish to support their local libraries can contact their state representatives to express their concerns and advocate for dedicated funding. The Iowa Legislature’s website provides tools to identify and contact state senators and representatives. By reaching out through phone or email, community members can communicate the importance of maintaining robust library services in their towns.
Additionally, consider organizing or participating in community events that highlight the importance of libraries. Hosting fundraisers, attending town hall meetings, and collaborating with local businesses can also help raise awareness and support for libraries. Engaging with local media to share stories about how libraries positively impact the community can further amplify advocacy efforts.
House File 718 (HF718), which eliminated the 27-cent levy, was passed by the Iowa Legislature in 2023. Key legislators involved in pushing for this change included Speaker Pat Grassley and other members of the Iowa House and Senate who supported the consolidation of voter-approved levies into a general fund cap. This legislative action voided dozens of lawful local elections without offering a path for reauthorization, leading to significant budget cuts for libraries and museums across the state. Now, many of these libraries and museums are cutting hours, laying off staff, canceling programs, and facing possible closures.
The Legislature needs to act this session to fix the funding that HF718 broke. They must restore funding to libraries and museums that lost their 27-cent levies, dedicate that funding so cities can’t divert it elsewhere, permanently fix the funding formula inside the property tax system, and respect the original elections so that no re-votes are required. Local voters chose to fund their libraries and museums, and the Legislature must honor that choice.
In a statement by Sergeant Bluff Public Library Director Mary Torgerson, she said, “These cuts are a real concern. Many of the small libraries in Iowa are looking to close their doors, others will cut staff. In Sgt. Bluff we are luckier than most because of the support we receive from the city, the community, and our Library Board. That is not to say that we won’t feel the cuts. Because cuts have been coming on the state and federal level at the same time, we will need to be creative in gathering additional funding in order to continue offering quality programs. At this moment my biggest concern for our library is the possible loss of Interlibrary Loan and cuts that we may see in the Libby program (eBooks and audiobooks). A vibrant library is the sign of a vibrant community and at the Sergeant Bluff Public Library we are committed to being a place for our citizens to learn and grow.”
The Sergeant Bluff Public Library offers a variety of programs designed to engage and support the community. Some of the notable programs include educational talks and workshops on various topics such as exploring Easter Island; storytime sessions and craft activities aimed at promoting literacy among young children; programs like “Stitches and Stories” and gardening workshops that provide opportunities for adults to learn new skills and socialize; resources and workshops to help individuals with job searches, resume writing, and career planning; regular book club meetings where community members can discuss selected books; and opportunities to meet and interact with authors such as Myra Alley Kingsbury.
These programs highlight the library’s role in providing educational resources, fostering community engagement, and supporting lifelong learning.
