Meeting Public Comments

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

02-07-2024

Julie Finch []

This is simply SSB3131, with new words. This bill is politicizing libraries and takes away citizen ability to decide what happens with their libraries. City Councils do not want the responsibility to oversee the library, spending more city resources to replace the work that is being down by knowledgeable Boards of Trustees. Let this issue and bill die.

02-07-2024

Anne Mangano []

Semiautonomous library boards do not mean that library boards do not have relationships with their respective city/county governments. They have to go through the same budgetary process and purchasing rules as other city departments. They follow the same HR rules and guidelines. Where we differ is that the library board provides a buffer so the city council doesnt have to get in the weeds of collection development or what group can use what meeting room. This is a decadeslong standing rule that works really well if you researched how libraries work. Libraries are obviously politicalwith books that run the political spectrum. Lets not make collection decisions political. What happens to conservative ideas in communities with liberal councils? Will the books in the library be election talking points for council members? Perhaps that is your design. The voters of Pella decided they didnt want this to happen in their community: this really looks like you are shoving it down their throats. Trust the voters!

02-07-2024

Cheryl Talbert [Blakesburg Public Library]

I am writing to let you know that I, and my library board are opposed to this bill. Our ordinance states that our Board members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the council (city representatives) and county supervisors (rural county representatives es). The board is responsible for hiring the library director, setting policy and approving programs.Our City Council does not have time or inclination to micromanage the library. Taking away the public's right to vote on any changes that might impact the library and the services, materials, and programs it provides is disenfranchising the citizens in the community. Libraries provide valuable services to their community and are functioning very well under present law. This bill is a solution looking for a problem where one doesn't exist. I was always told Republicans believed in smaller government. Trying to limit the services, programs, and materials provided by the library by taking away the autonomy of library boards seems the exact opposite. It is trying to inject government control where it isn't needed. I hope the committee will drop this bill from consideration.

02-07-2024

Susan Mesecher []

Without Public Library Boards City Councils will have added responsibilities that will extend the length of every City Council meeting and will give added workloads to the City Manager. Every policy the library enacts, or updates will need to be reviewed and discussed by subcommittees and discussed at City Council meetings for approval.The Library Board of Trustees subcommittees also discuss the future of the library, help create a Strategic Plan, help publicize the library, and provide support to the Director and staff. They help focus library budgets on items most needed to improve service to the community and work to keep our infrastructure maintained. The State Library Accreditation system will be in danger of existence reducing the standards that other states wish they had. Public Library Board of Trustees are volunteers serving their community. Without these dedicated volunteers Directors will not have the support they need to help their libraries thrive. Libraries in Iowa, especially ones in rural libraries with little to no staff will be in danger of closing if this is passed.

02-07-2024

Antonia Krupicka-Smith []

02-07-2024

Jennifer McMillan []

The fact that the people spoke, and were so vehemently opposed to SSB 3131 should tell you everything you need to know here. Libraries need to have local control by individuals who have been given that authority by their city council. Libraries are at the heart of communities in so many ways. To try and undermine the public library is to truly tear at the foundation of the community which you are elected to serve.

02-07-2024

Heidi Landt []

This bill is completely unnecessary. Library boards are providing a needed and educated service to their communities. None of our city officials want this change. There are certainly issues that need attention in our state libraries are not one of them. Please do not move forward with this bill.

02-07-2024

Eric Jennings []

I am opposed to this bill and ask you to stop messing with a library governance system that is not broken. Talk to librarians and their boards across the state to find out more before putting these bills up for consideration. I urge you to vote no on moving this bill forward.

02-07-2024

Rachael Carlson []

Vote NO on this bill! With no additional resources, this bill forces city workers to take on additional policy reviews, legal liabilities, complex first amendment procedures, and mandatory training in order to receive state and federal funding.It removes the peoples enhanced oversight, transparency, and liability of their public libraries by removing volunteer Iowans from the process.It removes the power of the people and places it directly into the hands of municipal staff and city councils.

02-07-2024

Shannon Horton [Decorah Community School Distr]

I am writing to urge you not to move HSB678 out of committee. This law appears to be written to undermine boards and library directors by allowing more direct access by our state government. If you can tell me why this is necessary, and why our current system is flawed, then I'm all ears. But I'm guessing it will be hard to justify without saying that you are eliminating local control, a popular republican talking point.This bill is not fixing any known problems; please vote it down. Shannon Horton Public School Librarian and Decorah Public Library Board Member

02-07-2024

Rebekah Hosford []

Like with SSB 3131, I keep trying to understand how this bill came to be proposed. I see no way in which it benefits anybody. The city does not need the added responsibility of overseeing the library nor do they want it. The City Council/Mayor have entrusted the running of the library to the people theyve appointedpeople who have undergone training so they can better serve the library and its patrons, people who care about access to information and the freedom to read, people who have the time to learn the ins and outs about the history of libraries and the reasons behind library policies. The relationship between the City and Library Boards works perfectly well, and there is no need to fix what isnt broken. This bill will only create problems. It will politicize libraries and create a space that may not feel welcome to all. Because the library is for allno matter their beliefs. Everyone deserves to see themselves on our shelves and in our programming. House File 718 already hurts libraries by taking away valuable funding. Why are you trying to further damage libraries with HSB 678?Id like to end this comment with some library joy. Here are 10 things in no particular order that made Library Staff smile:1. There was young girl who enjoyed our picture book about Banksy and was looking for more books about them or their art While they were looking around, I gathered up some of my favorite youth books about art/artists (including the other 2 books by the author who wrote our Banksy book and an art history book that mentions street art) and showed them to her her face lit up and she got SUPER excited. It was heartwarming to share my love of art/art history with her and see her get so happy to read the books I found.2. A few days ago, a family that just moved from California came into the library on a whim. While here, they found homeschooling resources, and signed up for a teacher card. What made my day was their enthusiasm to be at the library and that they really seemed to appreciate the services we offer. They told me they were impressed with "whoever" selected the books on our New shelf.3. A woman came up to the desk today and told us that she really appreciates the effort we put into displaying diverse books. She loves the range of diversity she sees on the shelves. 4. We had a patron compliment the diverse books on display/on the top of the picture book shelves. She asked if people ever complained about them, and that she would stand between them and us.5. A teen earned a free book by reading five books. She came to the desk a bit confused by what she had won. When I pulled out the cart of books for her to choose from, she was so excited and confused. "I can just keep one of these?!" she kept saying. It really made me smile.6. I handed a kiddo the book he was looking for and he was so happy to have it, he immediately hugged it to his chest!7. A mom and a group of tween girls were using the "welcome to your period" brochure and looking for almost all of the books in it! It made me super happy to see it connecting with patrons and being of use as an information resource.8. An elderly patron came in for help using his smartphone. We ended up downloading an ornithology app together and he learned to use it to listen to bird calls his whole face lit up and he gave me a fist bump! I still smile every time I think about that :)9. I heard a patron get really, really excited about a book featuring marching band romance. It was an infectious happiness!10. While I was cleaning up the playhouse I heard a couple moms talking and one said to the other that they were so happy they met each other. They exchange numbers and were going to get together again so their girls could play together. I love that libraries can foster friendships like this!

02-07-2024

Cara Stone []

I am writing as a resident of Ames, IA (and lifelong Iowan having been born and raised in Boone, IA) in opposition of HSB 678 which impacts Iowa's public libraries. Local library boards are best positioned to oversee funds judiciously, ensuring libraries are able to use the resources to serve the children, families, and other members of their communities. Libraries are integral to community literacy programs, serving homeschooling families, bridging the summer gap for public school students with summer reading programs, helping citizens seek out and attain employment, and helping communities come together for book clubs and other activities. Library board oversight is essential and board members are trained, trusted, and equipped to oversee these programs and judiciously allocate library funding. Please stop HSB 678.

02-07-2024

Robin Paetzold []

As a long standing library patron, volunteer, and public library trustee, I have tremendous appreciation for our libraries and the volunteers who serve them. Community members serve as trustees out of respect for the services we offer and appreciation for the neighbors who have come to depend on us. Removing this role from local community members to paid city staff who will not be able to put in the extensive hours for policy review, programming updates, fiscal management, continuing education in order to maintain accreditation, and community outreach is nonsensical. Please protect local citizen leadership in the libraries as these institutions are our cultural centers and frankly magnets for our commercial structures. We draw people together! Community members come to a library home where all are welcome to hold group meetings, borrow materials, participate in educational programming, and more. As a trustee, we already work with exceptional city and county staff in a manner that unites our distinct roles. Please dont damage a system that works. Public libraries with community trustees is Iowa at its best!

02-07-2024

Amber McNamara []

Please do not let this bill go further! This bill is another attempted overreach of the legislature to take control of public libraries away from the people. The current system is designed to prevent politics from breaching our public libraries. This is simply an attack on the intellectual freedom of the people of our state. There are so many wonderful things happening in our libraries, and so much to celebrate and support. This bill is a disgrace and a complete waste of time and resources.

02-07-2024

Janene Krug [Library Director]

I am strongly opposed to HSB 678. Iowa libraries have been thriving with the guidance of dedicated volunteer library board members for decades. These board members provide guidance and support, volunteer at programs and are trained in the best practices for library services. Taking away the autonomy of library boards politicizes libraries and removes the power of the people to vote on changes to the library. Board members are already being appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council, as well as county supervisors. Library board members are the voice of the community and provide enhanced oversight and transparency. They are dedicated volunteers who strive to create effective partnerships with the communities they serve.

02-07-2024

Jamie Noack []

Vote NO on this bill. Iowa library boards are essential to protecting the intellectual freedom of Iowans. It would make the library a political pawn in communities and libraries are by very nature nonpolitical. City councils have enough to deal with without adding library policies, accreditation and more to their plates. Iowa communities have the option to change the structure of their library boards with a referendum. If this is truly what the constituents want, let them vote and share their voice. It should not be a state mandate.

02-07-2024

Anita Christensen []

I strongly oppose HSB 678, which seeks to remove appointed library boards and transfer control to city councils. Our local public libraries provide invaluable services to their communities. Please consider the detrimental impact it could have on our public library system and the communities they serve.

02-07-2024

Christi Olson []

I stand in opposition to this bill and in support of all libraries and boards of trustees within the state of Iowa. Volunteer library boards dedicate their time and effort to support libraries in a myriad of ways; to approve library policies, to hire library directors, and to protect the (at risk) freedom to read. Their extensive knowledge of libraries makes them wellequipped to serve their communities in this capacity. It is unfair to ask city council members to take on these duties in addition to their existing responsibilities to the city. The current system is working and I do not see ANY reason to change something that isn't broken in the first place.

02-07-2024

Apryl Henrichs []

I am opposed to this bill, as I was also opposed to bill SSB 3131. Libraries provide valuable resources to their communities and are doing extremely well under their current laws. Why try to fix something that isn't broken? In a lot of the smaller communities, libraries are the "hub" of the community. Libraries and library staff also need their board of trustees for their libraries to thrive. City government does not have the time to be managing or micromanaging public libraries also. Please vote no on this bill.

02-07-2024

Elizabeth Pearson []

Vote no on this bill. It is unnecessary and takes away local control from the people who care and know about libraries and all the things they do. Do not add work to others or create a problem where there is none. Please do not advance this bill.

02-07-2024

Dara Schmidt []

I urge you to stop HSB 678. This legislation is a grave insult to the hundreds of library trustees dedicating their time across the state of Iowa and the citizens of our communities who deserve the right to vote for the library structure they want. Keep the politics out of our libraries! Stop this ridiculous bill now and leave our libraries to the people!

02-07-2024

Levi Baber []

This is a disgusting attempt to disenfranchise voters from control of their public resources. Libraries are the backbone of many small towns, and this would put them in jeopardy of dissolution without public input and concentrate that power in the hands of a small number of city council members.

02-07-2024

Dianne Fredin []

You appear to be representing the Democratic party's desire to strip individual cities from governing themselves and stealing the money voted for by the citizens for their own libraries. You were voted in to represent your constituents. Libraries are set up to best serve their cities residents. Those needs differ from city to city and town to town. Each have differing needs, and best served by their own Board of Directors. This money grabbing bill needs to either be withdrawn or voted out.

02-07-2024

Corissa Thompson []

I oppose HSB 678. Please vote no. HSB 678 would allow elected officials to circumvent our current right to vote on changes to library governance. Changing the governance could give elected officials free rein over library collections, displays, and programs. Libraries' central mission is to serve ALL without inserting their beliefs into the mix. The government should not control our access to information or materials. This is such a dangerous bill and threatens our first amendment rights.

02-07-2024

Megan Murphy Salyer []

No. I see absolutely no need to change the existing language. These changes place an undue burden on city staff with no additional resources. This bill forces city workers to take on additional policy reviews, legal liabilities, complex first amendment procedures, and mandatory training in order to receive state and federal funding.It removes the peoples enhanced oversight, transparency, and liability of their public libraries by removing volunteer Iowans from the process.It removes the power of the people and places it directly into the hands of municipal staff and city councils.

02-07-2024

Sue Gerth []

This bill is ridiculous and exactly the same as the previous bill seeking to strip library boards of their power. Libraries employ educated, skilled people who provide services to all. City Councils are best served making decisions for their city, not the library. We have knowledgable library boards of trustees who oversee policies and hire the library director, as well as support library services, programs, and collections. In no way does this bill do anything but punish libraries and library boards for doing what they do best: serving their communities. Once again people who have no idea how libraries work trying to control a system that has worked tirelessly for decades to provide free services to their communities. Do not let this bill move forward.

02-07-2024

Kelly McAlister [Johnston Public Library Trustee]

Ive been a trustee of the Johnston Public library for almost 10 years. Trustees take their role very seriously to be sure that the library is run effectively and for the good of their entire community. Im strongly against this bill as it would take local control away from our libraries. People from all walks of life use the library, and overseeing the budget and policies should not be political. Handing over the duties of the Library Board to the City Council would do just that. This bill would also hurt the already limited budget constraints that our public libraries are working within. Ive read through all the comments, and everyone is speaking up about stopping this bill. There are no comments for this bill. Iowans love their public libraries and all the services they provide. Please dont mess with a good thing.

02-07-2024

Charity Tyler []

This bill is terrible. It removes the public from the public library. A library is for the people, all people. Please do not allow this bill to move forward. Library boards and library staff are trained to do the work of public libraries. City councils and city staffers are not trained to do this work and should not be replacing those who are. Please stop this bill and allow our public libraries to continue serving the public, as they have for more than 100 years.

02-07-2024

Craig Patterson Lobbyist, Iowa Library Association [Lobbyist, Iowa Library Association]

Subcommittee members: Please note that a number of comments (574) on the companion bill, SSB 3131, were submitted. Since the subcommittee was moved, the comments ended up divided between two links. You can find those comments at this link (205):https://www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/meetingPublicComment?meetingID=38195&action=viewCommitteePublicComments And at this link (369):https://www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/meetingPublicComment?meetingID=38142&action=viewCommitteePublicComments

02-07-2024

Chris Stoner []

I want to echo the sentiments of others commenting here this bill is a solution in search of a problem, and nothing more. This bill, like its predecessor SSB 3131, will politicize public libraries and cause a myriad of problems for a system that is functioning well already. It will heap additional work, liability, and responsibility upon city staff and council members, and it will discount and invalidate the hard work and direct experience of the many Iowa library board members who volunteer their time to fill vital roles in their communities. I urge you to stop this bill from moving forward.

02-07-2024

Lauren McMeans []

I am opposed to this bill which politicizes library boards. It is important that the library is run and represented by volunteer citizens to truly serve the community. The cities of Iowa do not have the resources or time to adequately serve our libraries.

02-07-2024

Amanda Sand []

I am extremely opposed to this bill. Library boards serve a vital function in their communities. This bill would allow city councils to strip boards of their powers and interfere in the hiring of library directors, a task entrusted to care of dedicated, informed volunteer library trustees. There is no need to deviate from the current structure which guards libraries and their boards against politicization. I urge you not to advance this bill.

02-07-2024

Amanda Brewer []

Why are you attacking libraries and the volunteers who are trained and educated to govern them? Libraries are formed by the people for the pple...not by elected officials for a reason! Keep libraries safe from political agendas and governed by true advovates of public libraries.I oppose HSB 678. Please vote no. "HSB 678 would allow elected officials to circumvent our current right to vote on changes to library governance. Changing the governance could give elected officials free rein over library collections, displays, and programs. Libraries' central mission is to serve ALL without inserting their beliefs into the mix. The government should not control our access to information or materials. This is such a dangerous bill and threatens our first amendment rights."

02-07-2024

Christopher Hubbs []

It is important for public libraries to maintain their autonomy to provide critical public services to Iowa cities and towns. HSB 678 would remove library autonomy and place significant additional burden on library staff without additional funding. Libraries are a key civic resource and need to be protected, not bludgeoned as a part of a culture war. Please reject HSB 678.

02-07-2024

Susan Fink []

I am a patron of the Marshalltown Public Library and am very concerned with this bill. Library Board of Trustees are library patrons approved by the city council. They are the ones who have time to set policy and hire library directors. Changing this process will put undue pressure on city councils. Our staff is very good and bring items of interest to the Board. Why mess with something that is moving along smoothly. Dont try to put libraries at the whim of a different councilor who doesnt even visit the library. Please reconsider and let the libraries do what they have been trained to do.

02-07-2024

Janice, Caroll, Bert, Barb Roorda, Jansen, Schnell, Hoogeveen [Lynnville Public Library]

We live in a very small town of 380 people. We have a very small amount of businesses in our town. This bill would destroy our library. Our city council is not dedicated to the library and we must have their support because there is no one else! With this bill they would have a legal reason to stop funding the library completely. Many of our elderly residents depend on our library for reading material and social time in our activity room. Our children love summer reading and story time. We have beautiful books, DVDs, and we are now offering jigsaw puzzles for checkout that folks love to assemble in the wintertime. Out here away from the city life, we absolutely NEED our libraries because there just isn't much else to keep us social, growing, inspired, learning, and connected with the rest of the world. With a quickly written bill you are responsible for changing the lives of many many people who live in these small towns and depend on the libraries. If you see a small town library, such as Lynnville, please stop in. This has been said about our library from a group of "big town library ladies": "THIS ain't no small town library!" Just yesterday a visitor to town told me the same thing. I officially invite you to the Lynnville Public Library. Barb Hoogeveen Director

02-07-2024

Brandon Schmidt []

No! Stop this bill. Listen to your constituents instead of creating unnecessary strife. Public libraries are for everyone and have remained so for hundreds of years in this country because of the existing infrastructure that keeps these palaces for the people. This bill is frustrating and so unnecessary. This big government overreach must stop.

02-07-2024

Zoe Rand []

I strongly oppose HSB678. Communityorganized libraries are for the community, and disturbing this fullyfunctioning system in favor of forcing the responsibility onto city council members that are already overwhelmed by countless others is absurd. This would also hurt everyday citizens, since many both rely on and enjoy materials and programs that libraries provide. Taking any of that away would harm one of the few free, safe community spaces that is accessible to all regardless of economic status or any other factors.

02-07-2024

Thomas Dean []

The essence of a public library is intellectual freedom. As a former 12year member of a library board of trustees, serving also as president, I came to know how essential board independence is to the service a public library provides to its community. Currently, a library and library board's relationship with a city is still significant and necessary. Our city council still is obviously in control of city funding to the library, and it appoints library board members. But they appoint those board members as *trustees*, entrusting them to represent the community and its needs and freedoms when it comes to the library. Significant changes to the library are rightly in the hands of voters via referendum. HSB678 takes away that community oversight and community role in decisionmaking, and it places too much of a library board's independent decisionmaking and staff decisionmaking in the wrong hands. This bill undermines the integrity, purpose, and spirit of a public library. It should not even pass out of subcommittee.

02-07-2024

Sarah Smith []

I oppose HSB 678. Politicizing library boards attacks the freedom of information, reduces or removes needed library services, and gives unnecessary additional responsibilities to municipal staff and city councils. We have a system that works, so what is being fixed with this bill? I'm disheartened to learn my board service and civic responsibilities are not valued.

02-07-2024

Cindi Keithley [President Council Bluffs Library Board of Trustees]

I am adamantly opposed to this illconsidered bill and urge you NOT to approve it. This bill would politicize independent, volunteer library boards, professional library directors and staffs for no good reason. City councils and city employees are not knowledgeable in library collection standards or policies and have more than enough to handle without these extra duties. This bill would add costs without providing resources and damage Iowas reputation for excellent public libraries. Please oppose this bill!

02-07-2024

Leslie Gleaves []

VOTE No ..the library and library boards are educated about the needs of the town of Harlan ..They have an abundance of programs for all ages . The city council are busy enough with the municipality of Harlan and the community needs .Library needs and city needs are very different and should be kept separate..NO NO NO

02-07-2024

Megan Dial-Lapcewich [Oxford Public Library]

The people told you no on SSB 3131; this is the same bill with different words, and is just as terrible as 3131 was. City councils do not have the time, training, or resources to add this work to their plates. Volunteer library boards are vital to the existence of free public libraries. Library board members and library directors receive ongoing training for their rolls, to ensure the success of their libraries. City mayors and council members select the board members to do this work this is not a system which needs to change; in fact a change of this nature would do so much harm to public libraries. Stop this. It is terrible for every citizen of this state.

02-07-2024

Steve Clarke [Trustee, Norwalk Easter Public Library]

I urge you to vote no an not recommend this bill out of subcommittee. I will the numerous other comments expressed extolling the many benefits public libraries provide to Iowans. Public libraries benefit Iowans from cradle to grave both inside the building and outside through outreach activities. Librarians go to day cares, nursing homes, private schools, and home schools to provide assistance and programming. This bill jeopardizes those services for Iowans across the state.This bill is also bad public policy because it disenfranchises the citizens of each Iowan community. The current system allows the local electorate (We The People) to make these decisions. The current system this bill aims to eliminate works. The election last Fall in Pella demonstrates that it works as intended. A small, vocal minority wanted changes; the referendum was placed on the ballot; and, the majority of the voters rejected the referendum. This bill aims to eliminate the ability of the majority of the electorate to make decisions for their local community.

02-07-2024

Becki Elkins []

I urge you to vote no on HSB 678. If you believe in "local" governance as is what you allege then, you must allow library boards, comprised of library patrons who are local citizens, to do the actual work of local governance related to libraries. This bill is not about the best way to oversee local public libraries. Rather, it's an attempt to regulate people's access to content and is the state's attempt to *control* local governance. Keep your legislation out of our libraries. It isn't needed these boards are working well and it isn't desired by local citizens.

02-07-2024

Lindsey Carlson []

As a library board member, I strongly oppose this bill. This is a bill addressing a problem that doesnt actually exist. Library boards serve our communities at the pleasure of the elected leaders in our communities. Its embarrassing that in the state where the Library Bill of Rights was authored in 1939, we are letting an antireading, antieducation, and antifreedom minority attempt to ruin the way libraries have been effectively run for decades.

02-07-2024

Amy Pothoven []

Please DO NOT move HSB 678 forward. It takes away local control of libraries. We've already voted on this in Pella once. The bill would allow councils to restructure appointed library boards and shift all policymaking, collection development, and operational control to city councils.With no additional resources, this bill forces city workers to take on additional policy reviews, legal liabilities, complex First Amendment procedures, and mandatory training to receive state and federal funding.It removes the peoples enhanced oversight, transparency, and liability of their public libraries by removing volunteer Iowans from the process.It removes the power of the people and places it directly into the hands of municipal staff and city councils. In other words, it introduces partisan politics into our library.

02-07-2024

Kristin Torresdal [Decorah Public Library]

Maintaining library boards is crucial to ensuring that public libraries can continue to be responsive to the unique needs and priorities of the people they serve. HSB 678 is yet another blow to local governance (and small government) it removes Iowans from the process and places undue burden on city administrations and councils. It removes a valuable layer of transparency and participation. It 'fixes' a process that isn't broken a 'fix' that cities have NOT asked for and that many don't want. Independent library boards make decisions that best serve the interests and values of the local community. Please reconsider this illadvised bill.

02-07-2024

Cathy Struecker [Mother and Lover of Free PUBLIC Libraries]

We need our public libraries to maintain their own board independent of city councils. Libraries do not need to be politicized... they serve everyone and are the last to discriminate. Just because 1 legislator has ill feelings in 1 community doesn't mean the entire state needs their library rights taken away from them. Please reconsider this silly bill.

02-07-2024

Paul Whalen []

I am in strong opposition of this bill. It is clearly motivated by corrupt pursuits and it is not reflective of the needs or concerns of the citizens of Iowa. This bill is entirely unnecessary and will cause harm to the most vulnerable communities.

02-07-2024

JeNel Allen Barth []

HSB 678 takes away local control of libraries.The bill would allow councils to restructure appointed library boards and shift all policy making, collection development, and operational control to city councils.With no additional resources, this bill forces city workers to take on additional policy reviews, legal liabilities, complex first amendment procedures, and mandatory training in order to receive state and federal funding.It removes the peoples enhanced oversight, transparency, and liability of their public libraries by removing volunteer Iowans from the process.It removes the power of the people and places it directly into the hands of municipal staff and city councils.

02-07-2024

Jeff Collins []

I strongly encourage you to vote against HSB 678 which would have significant impacts on every Iowans ability to access critical services. This legislation would make it possible for elected officials to alter a library board by ordinance alone, removing the current requirement of a public vote and taking away the will of the people. Removing the option of referendum would undoubtedly lead to the politicization of libraries in many towns and cities throughout Iowa, including the subsequent defunding and elimination of public libraries statewide. This legislation would be devastating to all Iowans, and I urge you to please not move forward with this.

02-07-2024

Marjean Clemons []

I am opposed to this bill. Library directors and library boards develop policies and budgets, undergo trainings, and advocate for libraries. City councils, especially in small towns, do not have time to take on the task of these duties for the libraries. Libraries go through an accreditation process every three years that is very extensive and time consuming. City councils do not have the time or experience to aid in this process.

02-07-2024

Debra Hines []

I strongly oppose HSB 678. There is no benefit to this bill. Our small town communities rely on volunteer library boards to effectively supervise their local libraries. They know the needs of their neighbors and friends. Cutting dollars for libraries will negatively impact the programs offered to our kids. From elementary school on, I practically lived at the library. I checked out as many books as I was allowed, and participated every year in my library's Summer Reading Program.

02-07-2024

Michelle Andersen []

I urge you to stand against this bill as I spoke against SSB 3131. The library board of trustees is invaluable in working with the library director in upholding the values of intellectual freedom and information freely available to all. The city council and city administration would be burdened by the additional work of direct oversight of the library.

02-07-2024

Anne Wilmoth []

I am staunchly opposed to this bill. The City Council already sets our budget and retains oversight of it. The Library Board of Trustees, a group of nonpartisan, volunteer citizens, also oversees and approves expenditures. Allow a transparent, established system that works to continue in order that the professional, dedicated library workers in the state of Iowa can continue to serve the public. We maintain free and equal access to the information our patrons seek, along with providing vital services to our communities, from programs on internet safety to reading tutoring to job help. Keep local control of libraries! Do not advance HSB678.

02-07-2024

Erin Goddard [Ouren Real Estate]

As a patron and interested follower in this, it is overwhelming how quickly legislation can be proposed, changed, and passed. It takes special vigilance to keep track of all of the matters of a library from apparently politics to the daily management of the local libraries. It takes special action to check things and keep them in balance. For this very reason, library boards are in place to protect libraries and all that they stand for. A city council could not ever be expected to fill the shoes of library board, nor should they be allowed to assume the control of the library board. Supposedly, this is a move to put power in the hands of local governing bodies, but it dismantles a functioning local governing body and stretches another governing body, the city councils, even further.

02-07-2024

Sharon Groene []

Please stop this bill and leave libraries under the direction of the director and trustees. These are citizens who volunteer their time to learn about the policies governing the library and to help run the library. I do not think the members of the city council need to have one more organization to deal with. They have enough on their plates. The library trustees have done a good job and will continue to do their job for the public.

02-07-2024

Chuck Warner [Woodbine public library]

As an avid user of our public library I am very opposed to this bill. Libraries work. They do not need fixed and we do certainly do not need further government involvement in our lives. I cannot imagine that city councils want to add anymore to their plates as well. Pleas vote no on this one!

02-07-2024

Danielle Swink []

This bill is unnecessary and will have adverse affects on our libraries. The autonomy of library boards to make decisions regarding this public space needs to be kept intact as the board members are ones who understand the value and benefit of libraries as an important part of a thriving community. Placing this responsibility on a city council will subject the library to the decisions of people who often do not see the value in libraries and are often either negligent in the decision making or outright hostile. We have seen this play out already in local circumstances. Again, I urge the subcommittee to shelve this bill.

02-07-2024

Zach Row-Heyveld []

I wholeheartedly oppose this bill. Library boards ensure that library users first amendment rights of free speech and open access to information are protected and not subject to the whims of politicians. This bill is a blatant attempt to allow politicians to limit free speech and weaponize libraries against people who disagree with them. Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, this is disastrous. Liberal cities will eliminate conservative books as quickly as conservative towns will eliminate books they dont agree with. Also, politicians dont get to say what my kids read. I do. Dont you dare infringe on my right to make decisions about whats best for my family. So much for prizing our liberties and maintaining our rights.

02-07-2024

Darath Fisher []

I wholeheartedly oppose this bill. I believe that any changes to the structure of the governance of libraries should occur at the local level through the referendum process that is currently in place.

02-07-2024

Erin Coughlin []

This bill is a direct attack on libraries and serves no purpose other than to politicize them. Library boards are crucial to the integrity of the mission of public libraries which offer equitable access for all. This is trying to solve a problem that doesnt exist and instead will hurt libraries, thus hurting Iowa communities and Iowans.

02-07-2024

Kevin Delecki []

I strongly oppose HB 678.This bill will undermine local control and strip public libraries of the autonomy to serve their entire community, regardless of the political makeup of a city council. This bill is shortsighted and reactionary, and takes away from addressing the pressing needs in this state rising cancer rates, lack of housing and child care, and a consistent loss of talent to other states.

02-07-2024

Steve Lane [Retired School Administrator]

What ever happened to the grass roots approach to situations in Iowa that has been the way we have done business for many many decades?? City Councils are only interested in collecting the funds of this bill into their General funds. They have no intention of running the libary in their community, unfortunately!

02-07-2024

Theresa Presley []

As a current Library Board Trustee, I am firmly against HSB 678. This bill would shift oversight of our libraries from library trustee volunteers to city councils. By stripping Library Boards of their authority, HSB 678 imperils the future of public libraries as it threatens their autonomy, integrity, and financial stability. This legislation will be devastating to our libraries and the Iowans who rely on library services and programming. Library Board Trustees volunteer their time to ensure that our public libraries remain wellfunded and wellmanaged, and to ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed and will best serve their communities. Library Board Trustees receive unique training and expertise related to library functions and services to learn about the role of libraries in the community, service statistics, trends, and policies. This continuing education is required for accreditation with the Iowa Library Association. To ask city council members who are already focused on municipal matters to take on the immense job of fulfilling Library Board Trustee duties and training requirements is doing a great disservice. Libraries are cornerstones of education, providing free access to information, technology, and cultural enrichment. They protect the intellectual freedom of all. Please stop the advancement of this bill.

02-07-2024

Elizabeth Slappey []

I would invite any legislators to learn how public libraries currently function. Come in person. Meet the members of the library board. Appreciate the expertise they bring to their work as library board members. Learn about the issues the library board deals with. Understand why the transparency of local citizens, appointed by the Mayor is the most sensible way to run a public library. Board members' knowledge of the inner workings of a library is what should guide the hiring and firing of a library director. This is NOT the job of a City Council. HSB is an illinformed, ignorant bill and should be dropped for consideration.

02-07-2024

Lori Carnes [Board Member]

Once again, I write to implore you to drop HSB 678. City councils are not equipped with the knowledge or time to oversee public libraries. Volunteer board members have a vested interest in the success of libraries and the services that they provide. There is absolutely no need to change a system that is working well. Please drop this bill. Lori CarnesVolunteer Board Member

02-07-2024

Katie Roche []

This bill will jeopardize the good work of libraries. Expert board volunteer service improves these vital community centers and helps libraries navigate serve public at every age and stage of life. City Councils do not have the specialized skills needed to govern.

02-07-2024

Elizabeth Thompson []

Vote NO on this bill. Iowa library boards are needed to protecting the intellectual freedom of Iowans. It would make the library a political pawn in communities and libraries are by very nature nonpolitical. City councils have enough to deal with without adding library policies, accreditation and more to their plates.

02-07-2024

Theresa Pagliai [Trustee, Drake Community Library]

I strongly oppose HSB 678. Ive served as a trustee for our local library for seven years and have seen first hand how library staff, volunteer trustees, and local stakeholders, including city council members & management, dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to meeting the needs of our community. Our library is a better place because of these collaborative efforts. Nothing is broken, nothing needs fixed.

02-07-2024

Sheila Schofer []

I have serious concerns about this bill and the impact it will have in dismantling library boards in favor of city councils who do not have the time, budget, capacity or knowledge to oversee libraries. Library operations, collections and budgets will suffer and some libraries will likely close. What an unnecessary loss for our communities. It feels like an overreaching reaction to some folks upset that they couldnt ban all the books. We have more pressing issues for our legislators to focus on.

02-07-2024

Stacy Moore []

I strongly oppose this legislationas I also did with the committee bill earlier slated and then cancelled Monday. It may be renamed, but my views as an Iowan and a voter remain. My family and I are decades long users of our local libraries. We rely on them and have enjoyed them for learning and recreation opportunities in our city. Our local library board members, with thoughtful and strategic guidance, along with input from library volunteers and patrons, provide a space essential to our community. Library resources and programs are a public good. Aligned with state educational goals for schoolaged children, our local library offers a range of parent/childrens literacy programs and activitiesefforts that emphasize the value of learning and becoming lifelong readers. Our local library also serves all ages of community members (children to seniors) and is recognized nationwide for its development of books, materials, and technologies that reflect the depth and range of peoples learning interests and needs. Our local library is a central space for the vibrance and growth of this community.As shared from libraries across the state, this bill is damaging to communities and citizens as it:*changes the way a library board is created and could take away authority of the local library board.*does not maintain separation of elected officials and the operations of the public library which undermine intellectual freedom.*eliminates the required levy of 6 cents for public libraries and instead make that levy optional. As such, there would be no required funding for public libraries in the state of Iowa.*Libraries would no longer be able to possess any property, directing a city to take title of all property possessed of acquired by the library board on or after July 1, 2025.I strongly oppose this bill. Further, with due diligence, It would be principled for the committee members to read and reflect the public comments made to you from the scheduled Monday meeting (which was rescheduled and changed to this *new* bill). Please take Iowans comments into consideration; the very lengthy list of the Monday public comments speak to the very same issues in the Thirsday bill.)

02-07-2024

Robert Fiedler []

I am disappointed, but not surprised by the introduction of this bill. Like previous commenters have stated, it is simply SSB 3131 by a different name, i.e. disenfranchising voters of their right to determine how their local government is run and is instead employing State rule by diktat. If it weren't for the gravity of the situation at hand, I would find this attempt to alter the State Code amusing. I am reminded of a child, who, when told no by one parent, simply goes to the next room and asks the other parent instead. Frankly, I expect more out the officials elected to govern this state. But perhaps I am naive. Regardless, I am saddened and I am exhausted. But I am not swayed. Rather, I am emboldened and given courage by the other voices here. A funny thing happens when you speak truth to poweryou learn who is good and faithful and righteous. And you learn who is not. I know upon which side I stand. Table this bill.

02-07-2024

Brigid Ernst []

I oppose HSB 678 and implore that you do not vote to move it forward. It is totally unnecessary. Local library boards made up of independent, nonpartisan citizens of that community that are appointed by their mayor should continue to have full governing authority of the library to which they are appointed. Any challenges or changes to that authority must go to a public vote. To change the way this current system works would be to fix something that is not broken. City Council members should not be given the ultimate authority to insert their beliefs over the public library. This should be left to the appointed boards and to public vote should a board's decision be challenged.

02-07-2024

Erin Rush []

I am an Iowa library director. Libraries are informational centers and social hubs. Iowa has large pockets of rural areas that depend on services that libraries and trained library professionals provide. Right now city councils appoint board members and approve total funds.What would change is library boards who have specialized onboardings, handbooks, and trainings could be cut out of running the library. Putting councils who have recived no training in charge and expecting the public not to suffer from that ignorance. Directors who meet state standards could be fired "at will" and replaced with people who are not qualified to provide / maintain services that Iowans desperately need. Library tax funds that boards are obligated to spend in accordance with the community created strategic plans could be spent however councils choose. Meaning it needs to be under the library expenses but not necessarily benefit the library or community.This will also politicize spaces that until now, were the last free spaces left in Iowa where people could exist and improve themselves. Moving forward with this bill and hindering libaries shows failure of care and respect for the human rights Iowans deserve and have had until now.

02-07-2024

Anne Marie Gruber []

Please stop trying to gut public libraries in our state. City councils do not have the expertise or time to manage public libraries. Maintain independent public library boards. Do not try to solve a problem that doesn't exist. Kill this bill.

02-07-2024

Jessica Young []

I adamantly oppose this bill. This bill politicizes the important work that volunteer members of our board do which is to create a community space that is welcoming and has resources for ALL. The system has been working and there is no reason to change it. Please talk to library workers and library users before making these sorts of unnecessary changes.

02-07-2024

Reyna Immerfall []

The libraries belong to the people. We dont need city officials trying to censor books. The choice belong to t communities through voting. Leave the library structure the way it is today and out of the hands of a few, kept in the hands of the many.

02-07-2024

Patricia Timmens [retired Librarian]

Respectfully,Please understand that policy making, collection development, and operational control need to be done by Librarians. People go to school to learn how to do these things for our communities. City officials have no idea what libraries even do.Libraries are trusted leaders in boosting early learning and strengthening K12 school learning. They are community centers, open and welcoming to everyone. Libraries promote learning, for everyone. Libraries provide nofee public access to government information for everyone. This is the foundation of an informed citizenry.Libraries matter. This bill removes the power of the people and places it directly into the hands of municipal staff and city councils. Please reconsider this.Thank you.Patricia S. Timmens

02-07-2024

Alison Gowans []

Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. Currently the power to change how library boards are run lies directly with the voters. There is no reason to take these decisions out of the hands of the people who rely on and use their libraries, one of the few public spaces we have left. Let the people decide what is best for their own communities. Our politicians like to say they are for local control until local communities make decisions they disagree with. Dont let libraries become politicized.

02-07-2024

Dustin Riggins []

I oppose HSB 678. This bill removes a system that is in place and works and protects users first amendment rights and places it in the hands of city council who doesn't know the day to day of the library. Library boards help protect our first amendment rights.

02-07-2024

Jackie Cordon []

HSB 678 is a threat to our public libraries. Our small towns rely on the public libraries for book clubs, computer and internet access, children and family programs and, of course, free access to printed and audio materials. They need to remain independent and fully funded.

02-07-2024

Linda Foens []

Under current law, voters directly decide if the structure of their local librarys board of trustees needs to change. It is one of the few examples of direct democracy in local government. HSB 678 removes that referendum function, but fails to replace that instruction with an alternate means. Additionally, HSB 678 empowers city councils to redirect library funds away from projects and initiatives a library board prioritizes and towards city council desires. In an era where efforts to ban books dramatically strengthened, this introduces an additional opportunity for those who fail to halt the availability of materials they deem inappropriate by using city councils to carry water for those seeking to limit the availability of ideas. Stop this bill from moving forward.

02-07-2024

Tena Sunde []

I vehemently oppose HSB 678 which would allow elected officials to circumvent our current right to vote on changes to library governance. Libraries already work closely with city councils through established procedures approved by local voters. Changing or eliminating the current structure of library boards would take away important checks and balances, create openings for liability, violate home rule, and threaten our right to read and access materials.

02-07-2024

Brad Hart [homeowner]

As the former mayor of Cedar Rapids, where the mayor appoints members of our library trustees, this bill is another attempt to control local government and take away the rights of local governments to help move their communities forward. City councils do not have the time, interest, experience or expertise to handle the work of library trustees. These are dedicated volunteers whose sole interest is to provide our communities with the very best libraries and library programs possible. Please do not move this unnecessary and harmful bill forward....for the sake of our libraries and all the people they so wonderfully serve.Brad Hart, Cedar Rapids mayor 20182020

02-07-2024

Patrick Coughlin []

I strongly oppose HSB 678. Libraries should not be politicized and oversight should not be done by city councils. Volunteer library boards are trained and educated to best serve their local citizens.

02-07-2024

Martha McClurg []

I am strongly opposed to HSB 678. This bill would add a tremendous workload to already fully utilized city council members. Such a bill would introduce city council & municipal staff to a huge learning curve in order for libraries to keep their funding and maintain their day to day operations. Even more concerningly, this bill would remove important divisions that allow for libraries to be run effectively and also align with the will of the people. I am a frequent library patron and also library volunteer. One of the reasons I love the libraries is because they are vital community hubs that foster lifelong learning, promote literacy, and provide equal access to information for all residents. With their oversight changed from a board decided upon by voters to one governed by city council members & municipal staff, I fear that services would be drastically limited, collections would be less diverse, and libraries would no longer serve the vital functions relied on by Iowans for generations. Please table and do not move forward with HSB 678 in order to keep our libraries the vibrant and indispensable resource they are for all Iowans.

02-07-2024

Eileen Jacobs []

Libraries are for the people by the people! These volunteer boards made up of good upstanding citizens make it their mission to protect our voices, our first amendment rights, and our communities in which they live and serve. HSB 678 is yet another attack on the only place left where there is a true democracy! The last place that honors the very foundation that our country was built on! The last place that We the people decide whats best for We the people!

02-07-2024

Jade Hart [Cedar Rapids Public Library]

As a library trustee for 13 years, I strongly oppose this bill. Please do not advance it. Taking away the authority of independent pubic library boards is an attack on basic freedoms of Iowans. Library boards serve the public and community interests in a way that city councils alone can not and should not. Council members have neither the time, the expertise, nor the interest in governing libraries. Please vote against HSB 678 and leave library operations alone. The current system is highly effective and represents local communities well.

02-07-2024

Courtney Delecki []

I oppose HSB 678 and the standard it will set for all public entities. This bill creates unnecessary oversight and puts decision making powers in the hands of people who do not have the knowledge or time to handle the numerous ways in which a library must function. By taking away a library board of trustees, the state of Iowa is depriving communities of the valuable assets a public library can offer. This will do irreparable harm.

02-07-2024

Catherine Shook []

I have concerns with HSB 678. Legislation such as this undermines a functioning system for public libraries and needlessly burdens city council members with the minutiae of libraries. Many comments here reflect my concernsthis asks more labor of a city council who will not be compensated in accordance with the increased responsibility; this added responsibility will also not come with added education to the city council members on the how and the why of vital library functions. It disempowers local citizens to participate in a meaningful capacity as volunteer library board members. It degrades the needed buffer libraries have from the politicsoftheweek and will serve to threaten intellectual freedom and communities access to a wide selection of materials. Lets be honest here. This is intended to attack how public libraries function, not to support how they function. There has been no wide demonstration that there is an *issue* in how public libraries function that this legislation is trying to fix. Many of us have voiced our concerns. I have yet to hear, however, legitimate justification as to why this has been proposed. How, then, does this represent the will of the people?

02-07-2024

Kerry Vande Kieft []

I strongly oppose this bill. I have the privilege of serving as a library trustee. It is not a fluff job of checking a few boxes. It is SO much more, and every library and every trustee must recognize the unique needs of their own community. Have you actually gotten ANY feedback that ANY city council would want to take on this extra responsibility? They dont have the time, nor the specific knowledge. They do a fantastic job but they dont live and breathe this like we do. Please dont change the way we are governed. Iowa has much bigger challenges right now than meddling with an established legal governance that is working.

02-07-2024

Kerry Vande Kieft []

02-07-2024

Shawna Riggins []

I am deeply saddened to see this legislation being explored and so very swiftly. This proposed legislation would fundamentally change libraries and communities in a drastic and negative way. Our communities would lose their voice and autonomy in choosing a library board that represents the core values of these institutions. So many community members would lose the support networks that are made available to all within libraries. We would lose the protection to free and equal access, the most valuable tenet of libraries. This would be drastically more harmful than banning books. Libraries and community members would lose the power to say NO to book banning. Iowa communities and Iowans deserve better now and for our future. I DO NOT SUPPORT HSB678.

02-07-2024

Kathryn Fink []

I oppose HSB678. I urge you to vote NO and refrain from moving this bill forward. This bill would disenfranchise voters from having a say in how their libraries are governed, make the governance and oversight of libraries and their policies subject to political whims of elected officials, and overburden city government officials and city employees who do not have the time or expertise to oversee libraries. It also is an insult to the hundreds of independent citizens who are volunteering their time to serve on their public library board to say that their time and efforts to ensure that library services are best meeting the needs of their local community are not appreciated. It removes local control and the voices of citizens from the process that has worked successfully for many years. This bill is not necessary. Public libraries in Iowa are awesome because of dedicated, independent library boards and library staff members who are just trying to best serve the needs of their communities.

02-07-2024

Margi Jarrard [Washington Public Library ]

Our library is functioning quite well with the Board assuming the responsibility for operations through the director and staff and an excellent partnership with the city. No need to centralize control with the city and take local control from Boards. What is the reason for such drastic change???

02-07-2024

Melinda DeLeeuw []

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HSB 678, which seeks to remove political appointed library boards and transfer all policymaking, collection development, and operational control to city councils.This bill is deeply concerning for several reasons. It places undue burden on city workers and councils by requiring them to undertake additional policy reviews, navigate complex legal liabilities, adhere to intricate first amendment procedures, and undergo mandatory trainingall without the provision of extra resources. This could strain municipal resources and detract from other essential services.HSB 678 eliminates the valuable oversight, transparency, and community engagement provided by volunteer Iowans on library boards. These individuals play a crucial role in ensuring that public libraries serve the needs and interests of their communities effectively.By centralizing power within the city council, HSB 678 undermines the democratic principles of governance and diminishes the voice of the people in decisions concerning their local libraries.In conclusion, I urge you to oppose HSB 678 and to consider the detrimental impact it could have on our public library system and the communities they serve. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

02-07-2024

Brenda Huisman [Board of Trustees]

I oppose this bill as It removes the peoples enhanced oversight, transparency, and liability of their public libraries by removing volunteer Iowans from the process. I am passionate about our public library and all it offers our community. As a board member it is my duty to advocate for what is best for our library and community. This is not what is best for our community. The Pella City council did not want the added responsibility. The people voted and did not want this for our community. Leave our libraries alone.

02-07-2024

Judy Russell []

I vehemently oppose this. The new Republican Party has reserve their stance and now is trying to make government larger than ever. What will you do when Democrats are back in charge. As a former public library board member I witnessed the pride and passion that community members bring to the table. Citizens should have a say in the collections that they use as well as the services and activities held in their community. Librarians will have no public input which is vital to maintaining a collection that meets the needs of all. What ONE TOWN wants, Pella, should not be the norm for the state of Iowa. Vote NO.

02-07-2024

Brianne Anderson []

Nothing about this bill makes the quality of life for Iowans better. In fact, it strips the power from members of our community who are capable of and should be allowed to make their own decisions. This bill should never pass. Please don't destroy our public libraries!

02-07-2024

Brittany Jacobs []

This bill is a mere reiteration of SSB 3131. Not only to library boards draw a much more diversified group of people than do city council elections, creating a governing board that is more likely to represent the community as a whole, but the power for councils to remove a board with a mere ordinance strips the community of their say in the matter. The mission of the Burlington Public Library is to create opportunities for all people to connect with others, to learn about the world around them, and to imagine the futures before them and from strategic planning to helping shape library policy, our board of trustees play an integral role in realizing that mission for our community. To remove the referendum to change library governance is a direct attack on our democratic processes. Let the people library!

02-07-2024

Alexandra Reiling []

I am writing to oppose HSB 678. This bill would politicize public libraries and remove the voice of the people in determining how the library is governed. It would overburden City staff who are not being provided with additional resources to take on this complex role. Please vote no on this bill.

02-07-2024

Laura Fank []

Public libraries are at the very heart of most communities in Iowa, providing essential services, like internet access and access to research materials. They serve as gathering places, educational touchstones, and quiet oases from a loud world. Taking decision making power from the hands of those trained in library science and dedicated to serving their communities is a slap in the face for those public servants and a disservice library patrons. Placing decision making power into other hands is simply a move to politicize what doesnt need to be politicized. HSB678 must be stopped. It is the first step in an effort to destroy the public library system. Please do not destroy a system that serves so many.

02-07-2024

Jesse Hill []

I vehemently oppose HSB 678. I am not sure why handing over control of libraries to city councils is deemed necessary. Doesnt the library board consist of community members who have been appointed by the mayor who in turn sits on the city council? Are library boards not functioning in the state of Iowa and if so is it a such a super majority of boards that deems this bill necessary. Why is this necessary? Please explain the need for this as I see none. Libraries as is provide such an awesome service to patrons of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities/disabilities. Seems to me that something more is afoot.

02-07-2024

Malavika Shrikhande []

I strongly oppose HSB 678 . Public libraries in Iowa have been thriving with the guidance of dedicated volunteer library board members for so many years. Library board are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council . The library board members are volunteers who are the voice of the committee. Trustees take their role very seriously and help run the library for the good of the community they are a part of. They undergo continuing education to be in the know of trends and keep uptodate in all fields concerning the public library.

02-07-2024

Megan Collins []

I'm an Iowa mom who homeschools our children. The library has always been important to our family. From story time to educational materials to gathering spaces to fun programs, strong libraries are a vital part of strong communities. Leave politics out of the library. There is no good reason for this bill. Vote NO on HSB 678!

02-07-2024

Jessica Musil []

I do NOT support this bill. Public libraries should be controlled by a separate board so it cannot be a tool for retaliation and personal bias. Stop politicizing libraries. This bill will do more harm than good. Libraries exist to serve the whole community regardless of who you are. Without the volunteer board to set policy and provide financial oversight, the library cannot serve everyone. Communities will lose crucial services literacy programs for children, workforce development for adults, technology access, and so much more. Cities do not want to manage libraries. This bill serves no purpose other than to be another power grab to control libraries as with SSB 3131. It is incredibly frustrating to have a bill stop and within hours it is picked up again elsewhere. VOTE NO.

02-07-2024

Rachael Button []

I support libraries and library boards. Library boards are composed of volunteers with specific expertise related to libraries who are passionate about the success of their organizations. Keep local libraries in local control.

02-07-2024

Sandra Richardson []

I disagree with HSB678 and Im not saying in favor of its passing. Our library is over 100 years old and has operated with a Library Board of Trustees, Library Directors and staff for that many years. Let out libraries continue to operate as they go now. If its not broke, dont try to fix it!!

02-07-2024

Richard Schreiber []

Having served as a Library trustee for 20 years and a Library Foundation Director for 10. I find it a disaster to have government intervene and burden Libraries more than they carry now with fundingcuts and library material challenges.Library Boards are composed of motivated volunteers promoting books and encouraging young people to read. The Director selects all kinds of books without rules or laws, and they answer to the Library Trustees.I feel strongly against HSB 678 and its intentions and it should be abandoned.

02-07-2024

Jenny Fee []

I am constantly impressed by the public libraries in my area. They've become more than "just" a place to check out books although that's still the main draw for me personally. They've become community hubs with things like free help if someone can't figure out their computer or "seed libraries" where gardeners can share their bounty. One of my favorite nights out last year was to a free murder mystery event at my local library. I felt as though I'd been dropped into an Agatha Christie novel! I wonder if a city council had been in charge of the programming, would they have thought of (or had the time to carry out) any of these things? They have enough on their plates already, and our public libraries are incredible resources to our communities just as they are. There is no need to try to insert politics here.

02-07-2024

Candace Reed []

I oppose this bill because it is nothing more than a work around for book bans. A public library is a PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICE curated by people TRAINED to manage PUBLIC libraries for their communities. We don't need to change how libraries are run for the simple fact that if you don't like/approve of an item in your library, you don't check it out. And if it is YOUR child you are concerned about, then you act as a PARENT and tell them NO when they want to check out material you find objectionable. No untrained government filter can make those decisions in either case.

02-07-2024

Gail Kenkel []

NO to HSB 678.Local library boards know their communities well and have been successful using funds to best serve their communities. City councils do not have the time or expertise to manage public libraries.

02-07-2024

David Timmer []

I am strongly opposed to this bill, which would undermine the independence of library boards by reducing them to mere advisory boards, and would subject them to political manipulation. A similar proposal was submitted to voters in Pella last November. After ample public debate, Pella voters DEFEATED the proposal. This bill seeks to negate that vote. City councils will be asked to take on the responsibilities of a library board of trustees while lacking the training, focus, and time that a dedicated board offers. Under the existing statute, boards are accountable to city government in appropriate ways; but they also maintain the degree of independence needed to ensure that the library serves everyone in the community, not just the political elite. This bill will make public libraries into political weathervanes and political winds can blow in more than one direction!

02-07-2024

Ashlee Whittington []

I am writing to oppose House Bill 678. It is essential that public libraries can continue to work independently from city council control in order to best serve the interests of the public. City council members are appointed and equipped to focus on overseeing all city operations. City council members may lack expertise and understanding of library operations needed to make informed decisions. This lack of understanding will create issues related to censorship, availability of materials, budget cuts, and limitations on services the library can provide to the community. To make sure that public libraries are serving the needs of all community members, it is essential that these organizations can operate without the political influences that can occur with city council voting and representation. Libraries should continue to be governed by independent library boards made up of qualified professionals and community representatives. This ensures that libraries remain accountable to the public while protecting their autonomy and providing appropriate library services for the community.The autonomy of libraries ensures that they can fulfill their mission effectively and can impartially serve their communities without political interference or agendas. In order to protect all that public libraries provide for each community, House Bill 678 should not move forward.

02-07-2024

Jennifer Stumpff []

I am firmly opposed to this bill, like the one earlier this week. Public libraries are a highly impactful public good. If anything, you should be seeking to provide more funding, more local control, and more support for libraries. This bill was and remains wildly unpopular.

02-07-2024

Amy Arrington []

DO NOT PASS THIS LEGISLATION!!! The bill attempts to remove political appointed library boards and shift all policy making, collection development, and operational control to city councils.With no additional resources, this bill forces city workers to take on additional policy reviews, legal liabilities, complex first amendment procedures, and mandatory training in order to receive state and federal funding.It removes the people's enhanced oversight, transparency, and liability of their public libraries by removing volunteer lowans from the process.It removes the power of the people and places it directly into the hands of municipal staff and city councils

02-07-2024

Terry Mogensen [Pomeroy Public Library]

I am writing to seek your opposition to HSB 678. I have been director of a small city public library for the past 4 years. As a former educator in the public school system, I am still a strong supporter of education, especially as it can be gained through participation in the public library system, as I have been involved with public libraries in one form or another for the past 60 years. As a student, I was an avid reader who visited our little hometown library as much as possibly, and read as much as I could from those shelves, our school library, and the bookmobiles that visited our schools. As a parent, I raised my children with the same respect for libraries, and as a teacher, and now a grandparent, I see that same love of reading repeated many times over the years. In each instance, the libraries we loved were public institutions, and in most cases, run with the oversight of volunteer boards and public state libraries much like we have today in Iowa. Our cities have their duties, and perform them well, and they trust our city libraries to do their own oversight under the auspices of unpaid and very dedicated volunteers who come from all backgrounds and economic ranges of the population of their communities. The system we have works. We are collegial, conscientious, and cooperative while providing our communities with a fair and equal collection of reading material that reaches across the spectrum of society. We serve patrons of all ages, all interests, and all abilities, and do so with courtesy and collaboration. We work together with other libraries in our counties and across the state as we provide material many not be available on another library's shelves, just as they provide the same service to us. We share our spirit of fairness with respect to open access, to free speech, to freedom of the press, and all manner of intellectual freedom that our federal, state, and local laws encourage. We cooperate with our city and county governments to the best of our abilities and respect their own necessities when it comes to all governance to whom they answer. We are public servants, not highly paid, but greatly highly dedicated. While we have education that would allow us to obtain jobs at higher pay, we work in libraries because they are where we love to work, serving people who are family more than patrons, putting books of both a paper and electronic nature into the hands of readers of all ages and levels of education and experience. We do our jobs, and we do them well. There is a delicate yet successful balance already between our Boards of Trustees, the public we serve, and the city and county governments to whom we answer, and it works. I see no reason to change it and put at risk the great benefits that public library already provide in a system that works. Thank you.

02-07-2024

Jess Netolicky []

I strongly urge you to drop HSB678 immediately. This bill completely turns a blind eye to the necessary role libraries serve. Libraries provide necessary and critical services for all citizens: early literacy, lifelong learning, workforce development, intellectual freedom, access to technology, and social connection. They are a lifeline to underserved families, to educators, to our youngest citizens. This bill politicizes library boards and jeopardizes the future of all libraries across this state. Keep library boards independent. Keep the policy making and operational control with the libraries.

02-07-2024

Karen Burns []

Karen Burns I am vehemently opposed to HSB 678, as I was to SB3131 essentially the same bill. Consequently I will reiterate: a public library's purpose is to serve the people of the community, and the library board is critical to setting policy and fiscal priorities. As a consultant for the state's regional library system (in its various permutations) for 30 years (retired) I can assure you that local boards' governance of the public libraries serve the community's best interests and help to insulate the library and its services from political influence. Staff and boards are in the best position to determine the needs of the community and how the library can meet them, as well as how to meet the challenges of providing such vital services. This proposal would seriously damage the incredible service that public libraries provide to the people of Iowa.

02-07-2024

Emma Stoffer []

The sheer impertinence displayed by proposing HSB 678 is an affront not only to the librarians and library board trustees who were so vocal in their outcry against SSB 3131, but also to all Iowans who took their time to voice their dissent as well. The proposal of HSB 678 is a gross display of negligence and demonstrates that state officials have no regard for their constituents. What claim to integrity do you have as state leaders when you work to circumvent the valid concerns and criticisms from the very people you swore to serve? By stripping Library Boards of their authority, HSB 678 imperils the future of public libraries as it threatens their autonomy, integrity, and financial stability. Public libraries are essential to their communities as they are places of education, discovery, and connection. Consequently, Library Boards are essential community entities that exist to provide local governance through their understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of those very communities. City councils across the state are not equipped to take on this responsibility, nor should they be expected to; Library Boards, city, and county leaders earnestly collaborate in their commitment to provide the best possible services to their communities. State leaders need to respect the expertise of their fellow governing entities and refrain from imposing unnecessary restrictions on the very people they serve.

02-07-2024

Martha Wolf [League of Women Voters of Southeast Iowa]

I stand in opposition to this bill. Public libraries should remain free from partisan politics. Trustees and board members of local libraries are people interested in providing material for all Iowans. I am aghast that you think city councils know what I might like to read.

02-07-2024

Lois Blythe []

The value of libraries is that they represent all that is valued in a free society. Libraries are community gathering places where all people are welcome to learn and expand their horizons. Libraries have become political battlefields where a few want to determine what I and others should be able to read, view and learn. The purpose of a library is to provide multiple views and perspectives so people can make decisions based on factual information and consider differing opinions and views. Library boards and trained library staff maintain a balanced collection and services tailored to their communities without regard to which political party is in power.

02-07-2024

Lois Blythe []

02-07-2024

Anthony Arrington []

DO NOT PASS THIS LEGISLATION!!The bill attempts to remove political appointed library boards and shift all policy making, collection development, and operational control to city councils.With no additional resources, this bill forces city workers to take on additional policy reviews, legal liabilities, complex first amendment procedures, and mandatory training in order to receive state and federal funding.It removes the people's enhanced oversight, transparency, and liability of their public libraries by removing volunteer lowans from the process.It removes the power of the people and places it directly into the hands of municipal staff and city councils.DO NOT DO IT!

02-07-2024

Suzanne Miller []

As a former library board member, I am vehemently opposed to this bill. Library boards spend hours dedicated to the smooth operation of their libraries. Why change a system that works to the benefit of our Iowa communities? This bill makes no sense. Please vote against it.

02-07-2024

David Maier [Cedar Rapids City Council]

Please do not move this bill forward. I serve on the Cedar Rapids City Council and lack capacity and expertise/experience for public library policy making, collection development, and operational control. The current system of appointing a library board that hires that director is effective and efficient. If it ain't broke don't try to fix it!!

02-07-2024

D Work-Makinne []

I oppose this law. I am pleased with the law as it stands. I assume this mandate would be unfunded? Our city council already works incredibly hard, and adding the library boards workload borders on cruelty. Thank you for asking for public comment.

02-07-2024

Lisa Martincik []

I am mystified as to why this bill exists. Who asked for it? Whom does it serve? How does taking guidance away from community volunteers and placing it with city staff without additional pay and requiring extra training serve the interests of Iowans in any way? This bill addresses a nonexistent problem and should likewise cease to exist. Keep libraries under LOCAL control.

02-07-2024

John Simmons []

Its bills like this that make me embarrassed to tell people Im from Iowa. Please focus your energy on doing something positive that benefits the people of Iowa. There are too many children that go hungry or dont have a safe place to live, so please help them. Dont proclaim to be a Christian and then play petty politics with crap like this bill. Grow up.

02-07-2024

Rachel Rugg []

I strongly oppose HSB 678. Public libraries in Iowa are governed by library boards that are comprised of people who understand how libraries operate. There is no good reason to eliminate library boards. City Councils have enough work to do and do not need the added burden of governing libraries.

02-08-2024

Becky Miller []

I am vehemently opposed to this bill which takes the decisionmaking out of voters hands and puts Iowans access to wellrun, missiondriven libraries at risk of disfunction, mismanagement, and censorship by politicians.

02-08-2024

Elsabeth Hepworth []

I am strongly opposed to HSB 678. As stated in the Iowa Library Trustee's Handbook, "Library trustees freely contribute their time and energy because they believe in the importance of strong public libraries in their communities." In nearly every Iowa community, mayors appoint and city councils approve library board members for the sole purpose of ensuring public libraries remain wellfunded, wellmanaged, and wellused.

02-08-2024

Paige Jacobson []

Libraries are an integral part of public good, and the community itself needs to have a say in how they are run. They are community organizations, not an extension of the government. They're called "Public" and "Community" libraries for a reason. This will put undue pressure on city councils when they are already juggling so much. This will also take away community input and shove it onto a fouryear waiting list.

02-08-2024

Suzanne Jones []

Library boards should keep control of local libraries. The system is not broken. City governments do not have the time or expertise to govern libraries, and libraries should not become politicized. Are Iowans asking for this? Voters in Pella recently defeated a proposal similar to this bill.

02-08-2024

Abbey Strum []

Why are we politicizing, public libraries? This is supposed to be a safe place for any and everyone to get information and support as needed. As politicians, your job is to make government work for everyone. My experiences that most city councils have not even stepped foot on their library, and have no business dictating how it should be run or who should be running it.

02-08-2024

Amy Blair []

Strongly opposed our libraries are strengthened by volunteer library boards, which are best suited to serve the needs of their communities. This bill is an insult to the hard working library boards across the state.

02-08-2024

Angela Pilkington []

As a life long Iowan I am strongly against this legislation. Please do not burden over worked City Councils with the work of nine member boards who are put in place by city Councils. Library Boards are trusted members of our communities to do the best with the funds provided by the city. This system has been in place and is in excellent working order. Please do not break what works. Please remove this retaliatory legislation at once.

02-08-2024

Emily Todd []

I am greatly disappointed in this bill. The fact it came directly on the heels of almost 100% similar bill that was highly resisted from Iowans across the state shows a lack of real understanding of what Iowans want and of listening to those Iowans. Please vote no on this bill. Library boards are staff are key members of every Iowa community they are in. Library board members are dedicated volunteers who are giving away their time, experience and knowledge to keep the library responsive and relevant to the communities they serve. Please do not move this bill forward.

02-08-2024

Nicole Rhodes []

Rewording and pushing through new legislation in one day will not trick us. We actually know how to read and aew well educated thanks to our libraries. Libraries boards are much more bipartisan than the overwhelmed city councils. Go do something important and stop this nonsense.

02-08-2024

Julia Bauder []

Respect the dedicated work and extensive knowledge and experience of Iowa's volunteer library boards. Don't ask city council members who are already stretched to take on an additional, highly specialized area of responsibility. Vote no on HSB 678.

02-08-2024

Alicia Mangin []

HSB 678 threatens the very existence of Iowa public libraries. Local city councils are less informed regarding the operations of public libraries, their first amendment support, and transparency. Additionally, some councils do not want to take this on. And, those that do may not have the best interests of its people in mind. HSB 678 should be discarded.

02-08-2024

Kristin Stanford []

I oppose HSB 678, as government should not have any control over our public libraries and materials offered for checkout. Why are you all trying to pass bills that address topics that are not an issue for 99% of Iowans?

02-08-2024

Honey Bedell [FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library]

HSB678 is unnecessary legislation that will limit our local libraries' ability to serve our communities. Strong libraries, led by dedicated professionals and overseen by knowledgeable local trustees, are critical elements of thriving communities. These libraries must be appropriately funded and free from the directives of any political agenda. Eliminating required public funding for public libraries is shortsighted, potentially leading to a severe lack of resources for these institutions that serve ALL Iowans.

02-08-2024

Sean Williams []

I stand opposed to this bill. It does not fix a problem. The current system creates libraries supported by community members whose oversight is valuable and supportive of both the library staff and the patrons.

02-08-2024

Jennifer Lefeber []

Librarians have a degree that educate them how to serve EVERY person not just those who their political party wants them to. Please leave these decisions to them and focus on hunger, roads, jobs and finding out how to keep those attend out colleges in our state. You are scaring all of these highly educate kids away with this constant attack on groups of people that need our acceptance.

02-08-2024

Sara Miller []

Please do not move this bill out of subcommittee. Our libraries are the one place in our society that requires nothing of people to use/access/enjoy the space & facilities. They serve as critical spaces to connect people & provide them with information & resources. No one is better positioned to govern our local libraries than the local people they serve, through locally appointed boards & commissions. Johnston citizens know what Johnston's library needs. Slater citizens know what Slater's library needs. The services, materials, & spaces needed by those two different communities is likely very different. Removing local control over our library boards is government overreach & nannying. It is the antithesis of the freedoms that Iowans so fiercely protect.

02-08-2024

Carolyn Myers []

This bill is just another way to attempt using bully tactics to restrict access to information. Do any of the lawmakers who stand behind this bill really understand the repercussions and consequences of removing library boards? Do they know all the community services offered at libraries? Are they prepared to find other ways to provide these services or is the ultimate goal to close libraries completely? Thanks to books we can say that limiting access to information and book banning are definitely on the wrong side of history. Restricting access to information and banning books are nothing but the moves of a dictatorship. I hope these lawmakers decide to educate themselves about this history too. Stop this attack on libraries and find ways to actually help our communities, like libraries do.

02-08-2024

Michael Wright []

Count me as vehemently opposed to HSB 678. I see no purpose for this bill other than to politicize and destabilize public library boards. There is already a process, an effective one, in place to remove a library board member. This bill does nothing more than allow a power grab by a city council against a board that needs to be independent. This is bad legislation that runs counter to the public interest.

02-08-2024

Regina Schantz []

The current system of library boards made up of appointed trustees who make decisions, review policies, provide oversight, and more for our public libraries, works! Taking away this control and putting it in the hands of the city councils would cause undue extra work, time, and responsibilities for city council members without any extra compensation. The local control provided through the board of trustees would be gone. The system works well now. There is no reason to change it.

02-08-2024

Molly Altorfer []

Please do not pass this misguided bill. The oversight and control of public libraries should be in the hands of library boards and library directors who have education and training specifically for libraries not overworked city council members. With no additional resources, this bill forces city workers to take on additional policy reviews, legal liabilities, complex first amendment procedures, and mandatory training in order to receive state and federal funding.Please dont attempt to legislate what is not broken!

02-08-2024

Megan Klein-Hewett []

I am opposed to HSB 678. This bill politicizes library boards, which is in direct opposition of the intent and purpose of an independent library board. Library boards are made up of community members who are dedicated to their local libraries and are trained in the issues that face libraries. Stripping communities of this volunteer board for political control is shortsided and will ultimately harm communities where this proposed action is taken. Do not move this bill forward.

02-08-2024

Tammy Schaapherder []

The people spoke clearly on this issue when it was in the Senate. Why are we now resurrecting it in the house. It is clear that the people of Iowa love their libraries and the boards that run them. Why are we politicizing libraries? The city council has enough on their plate. The library board in our town and others collaborate and work with the city council. Stop this nonsense. There are serious issues in our state that need your attention. This is not one of them.

02-08-2024

Sue Gradoville []

HSB678 is ridiculous! Library boards focus on the needs of the library while City councils have so much else to take care of. Let those who know the most take care of the needs of the library. They are representing their communities.

02-08-2024

Bill Carroll []

I am opposed to this bill! Please leave local control over public libraries to the residents of their communities. If passed, this bill could put the operations of libraries in the hands of elected officials with little or no training on how to run a library. Do not move this bill forward!

02-08-2024

Steve Imming [Davenport Public Library]

Representatives Nordman, Amos & Bloomindale,Good morning!I am a public library trustee in Davenport and, as such, my sole focus is on the governance of our library. I do this, gladly, as a volunteer. As part of fulfilling my responsibilities as a trustee, I seek and receive training. Some of this training is related specifically to the operation of and services rendered by our library. Other more general but equally important training comes from the State Library of Iowa. The State Library, not only provides high quality training regarding library operations and services but also training specifically for trustees. In order to maintain our accreditation by the State Library, trustees are required to receive five hours of training each year.As just one more thing for city councils to do, I don't believe they would be as welltrained and attentive to their community's information and entertainment needs and interests.Having volunteer trustees, serving sixyear terms, also helps to keep politics out of the library and helps assure a diverse collection is available to meet the needs and interests of the citizens of our communities.Thanks for taking the time to consider my position regarding HSB 678.Blessings,Steve Imming, TrusteeDavenport Public Library

02-08-2024

Kara Schneider []

I do NOT support HSB 678. It would allow elected officials to circumvent our current right to vote on changes to library governance. Changing the governance could give elected officials free rein over library collections, displays, and programs. Libraries' central mission is to serve ALL without inserting their beliefs into the mix. The government should not control our access to information or materials. This bill should not be passed. It is government overreach.

02-08-2024

Barb Hanson []

As a volunteer member of the Hiawatha library board, I have seen how important local boards are to the library and its patrons. We know our population and our patrons and their needs. It is important for us to be able to make decisions about how the library operates.

02-08-2024

Michelle Morey []

This bill is so disheartening. Whomever it is who had decided that libraries are the enemy of Iowans is woefully ignorant about the proud history of public libraries in Iowa and about the important work and workings of libraries. Seeking partisan control of libraries is antithetical to democracy and will significantly damage library services across the state, especially in smaller communities where Iowa has long served as a leader in Public Library services. People should have the freedom to choose what they read. To put this control in the hands of those who are ignorant of library ethics, operations, and mission is nothing short of disgraceful.

02-08-2024

Merideth Willett []

I am against this bill. This is basically SSB 3131. What problem is this trying to solve? Library boards are appointed by local elected officials. City Councils do not want the added workload this bill will give them. This is not good for Iowans.

02-08-2024

Margaret Halterman-Dess []

I am vehemently opposed to this bill, as it disenfranchises everyday Iowans, burdens city councils and staff that have more than enough on their plates, removes transparency and accountability from the oversight of a crucial public good, and is an endrun around informed volunteers dedicated to literacy and their local communities as well as the hiring of library staff with professional expertise and collection development decisions by community members who are directly affected and use these crucial services.This bill is a solution in search of a problem.Public libraries should be for the people, by the people.

02-08-2024

Abigail Beadle []

I oppose this bill. The current structures have been effective in ensuring access to various resources and perspectives. Im disappointed to see energy going into a bill that takes power from local libraries and gives it to people with little experience with oversight of libraries.

02-08-2024

Louise Esveld []

As an avid reader and lifelong public library user, I strongly oppose HSB 678. Our libraries have, over the history of our state and nation, been central to developing informed, independent minded citizens and a vibrant society. Independent library boards comprised of local citizens help us keep the selection of library materials and programming free of politics, religious bias, and mob rule. An important American value and constitutional right is that individuals should have free to access ideas and information. HSB 678 seeks to limit that freedom. Vote no to HSB 678.

02-08-2024

Ellen Brown []

I am not in favor of this bill, which removes local volunteer library boards. I serve on a library board in a small community. This library serves many purposes in our town and the library board provides support beyond what a city clerk / council will be able to provide. We support the staff with programming, public relations, creating the budget, approving payment of bills, maintaining policies and procedures, employee interviews, director performance evaluation, etc. We advocate for the library to keep it an active, vital part of our community.

02-08-2024

Teresa Dahlgren []

I strongly oppose this bill. Library boards serve a vital function for libraries. The individuals who serve on library boards undergo significant amounts of training in order to handle issues that are specific to libraries. Putting those responsibilities onto city council members will simply overburden busy individuals who need to oversee more general city business. Our current system is not broken, and does not need fixing.

02-08-2024

Dayrel Gates []

The changes proposed by this bill would be detrimental to maintaining healthy public libraries in the state. Allowing libraries to be placed under the control of city councils will unnecessarily politicize what is now an unbiased and free governance model. City councils do not have the time needed to properly oversee public library operationsthey are very busy as it is. Throwing libraries onto their workloads likely will result in less attention paid to them and thus less effective operation. Our public libraries are a vital resource for ALL people in our communities. They are responsive to their communities' needs. Do not destroy what presently is a Very Good Thing.

02-08-2024

Barb Keninger [Friends of the Ackley Public Library]

I am against HSB 678. This bill, if passed, would be the end of public libraries as we know them. Libraries are the hub of the community and provide a safe environment for all citizens. They should be funded and supported! City Councils are already struggling with current responsibilities, especially the small rural towns. Doing away with library boards and adding direct control of the public libraries would just add another duty to their full plates. Library boards are already appointed by the city councils, which allows them oversight. HSB 678 is not in the interest of the general public!

02-08-2024

Jaqueline Giltner []

Can this legislature please focus efforts on something that can actually HELP people?? Why are we worried about state officials monitoring what materials are in a library when they refuse to monitor the hundreds of millions of dollars of public money theyre funneling to private schools? You cant cry oversight when you really mean censorship and control. Shame on all of you. Kill. This. Bill.

02-08-2024

Candace Graybill []

I completely oppose this bill this bill will limit the powers of our local libraries. Libraries are important to our communities and should be empowered to help Iowans, not have services taken away from Iowans.

02-08-2024

Kathryn Schlott [none]

Legal liabilities under the First Amendment make libraries unique in city government. That is why they have been set up with a separate operating board and guaranteed funding. A library is not just another department of city government. To move their operation under the city council and to eliminate their guarantee of funding makes them vulnerable to the political whims of the day. The conflict and disfunction we see now at the federal and often the state levels has undermined the trust citizens have in government and makes this the worst time to expose libraries to the conflicts of political opinion. Delay this bill until calmer times or, better, kill this bill for good. I strongly oppose the passage of HSB 678.Kathryn Schlott

02-08-2024

Denise Perez []

I oppose HSB 678. This bill aims to further politicize a public service. Leave libraries alone to best represent their community's needs as determined by their community. Let's focus on addressing real issues like a lack of mental health care and maternal healthcare deserts in rural Iowa.Do real work instead of wasting our tax dollars on garbage bills that help no one.

02-08-2024

Beth Wilz [library employee in Fairfax Iowa]

Do not get rid of Library Boards! Library boards do a lot of work to run a library, budgets, staffing, policies, bill discussions, purchasing, community events, etc. IF you get rid of the board, all this work goes back to the city council and Fairfax Iowa City council meetings are already over 5 hours. They will NOT do anything for the library because they will not want to add much time to their meetings. THEN the library will have less activities, less purchasing will happen so less items for the public to check out. They will also be so slow at hiring any staff not to mention they will NEVER work on summer reading for the kids during the summer when they are out of school. This is a very bad idea!

02-08-2024

C Newton []

As a proud resident of Grimes, where the most inclusive library in the state was just opened, I want our library board to continue to be in control and Im sure my elected city council members would agree. The city does not need or want the added responsibility in a in area they are not well versed. Please vote no and leave the amazing work being done by library boards across the state to them. Our cities and library boards work well and as is and no additional local control is needed.

02-08-2024

Ambri Refer []

Over 9.8 million visits to Iowa libraries were made during FY22. To serve that number it takes thousands of volunteer hours by our board members. Please vote no on this bill. Our cities simply do not have the time to absorb this task. Iowans have proven over the years that they value their public library. We provide so much more than books. In many communities it is the only safe place for children to go after school. In many communities it is the only place that offers a fast internet connection. In many communities, it is the only place that our older Iowans have to gather in. This bill will destroy all of this and more.

02-08-2024

Vince Jurgena []

Please reconsider passing this bill. I believe libraries should have a degree of autonomy from elected officials and their personal ideologies. Libraries provide an open environment for the free exchange of ideas; something that is so important in a representative democracy. Further more, I believe stripping rural libraries of the ability to use the library levy will further decimate the quality of life in rural communities. Please keep Iowa a state that has traditionally been known for being forward thinking. Gutting public services only hastens the exodus of our young people to other states.

02-08-2024

Rachel Mans McKenny []

Libraries already directly report to cities and have oversight on their budget. This bill simply seems to try to overlook the will of the voters. If the voters in a certain area are unhappy with their library board and want to change process for appointment, then we already have a democratic process in place to vote on that issue. Otherwise, this bill undermines the library mission to focus on the broader goals of the public they serve. They are hubs for information and security and culture, and they are the jewels of this state. Libraries are known as places that are quiet, but those of us who go there, and depend on the library, wont be silent when it comes to protecting it. Please move on to other issues.

02-08-2024

Judy Wery []

This is not in the best interest of the state of Iowa and it's residents. Our libraries are a huge part of the support in many communities. By putting control into the city council, you are expecting them to have knowledge with library functions and expectations that they do not have. Please do not support this bill

02-08-2024

Stormy Smith []

Libraries are a bedrock of every community. They allow everyone regardless of economic or social standing equal access to knowledge and resources. Libraries should continue to be a nonpartisan space controlled by independent workers not put under the red tape and bureaucracy of our local governments. As a mother, an author, and an avid patron of my local library, I vehemently oppose this bill.

02-08-2024

Kate Reynolds []

Our City Council already had a defined role with our library. Appointing engaged and knowledgeable community members to a board of trustees. Our community has a right to help steer library programming, support, and policy in ways that will enhance our community; bringing the resources and opportunities needed by the public in an accessible and inviting environment. This bill seeks to remove that privilege from the community and require the work from already busy City officials. The integrity and care of our libraries will decline. Access to learning and exploration for our public will decline. Our communities will lose if this bill moves forward.

02-08-2024

Heidi Lauritzen []

I oppose HSB 678 and I hope Iowas elected officials will oppose it too. Library boards in Iowa have functioned effectively and ethically for decades, and truly represent the communities they serve. These volunteers serve their communities transparently and provide focused access to community members. Please oppose HSB 678.

02-08-2024

Jon Hobbs []

I strongly disagree with the proposed legislation that injects political elements into library boards. Public libraries play a crucial role as civic resources, and it is essential to safeguard their independence and integrity.

02-08-2024

Peggy Panosh []

I absolutely oppose this billl. It would limit the powers of our local libraries. Libraries are important to our communities and should be empowered to help Iowans, not have services taken away from us

02-08-2024

Angie Croll []

Please dont change how our library makes decisions. The City council is already busy enough, they dont need to know the nuances of a library. The library in Norwalk is a key part of the community and is run very well because there are experts in each position with a supportive and knowledgeable board.

02-08-2024

Anne Skaden []

I absolutely oppose HSB 678. What is it trying to fix? Why is taking control of the library away from community volunteers and shifting it to city councils a good thing? So forcing city workers to take on more responsibility at no additional cost is a good thing? This bill is wrong on so many levels. STOP trying to fix what isn't broken!

02-08-2024

Michael McCollough [Select...]

As a taxpayer in the state of Iowa, I oppose this bill. One reason libraries are overseen by library boards is to minimize the likelihood that libraries become subject to political whims. Communities need stable libraries to provide them with a wide variety of educational opportunities. I trust my fellow Iowans to be smart enough to make up their own minds about any ideas they might come across in library materials.This bill is a waste of the legislature's time, when there are many more important issues facing Iowans.

02-08-2024

Kaya Young []

My name is Kaya Young and I firmly oppose the bill HSB 678 because it is a threat to the welcoming community of education, and growth created by The Johnston Public Library. This bill will ultimately allow for the restriction of library funding and the unjust regulation of library activities. The public, the community that uses the library, and its staff should be able to control their own affairs. Without the representation provided by the library board, the needs of the public will go unheard and unmet. As a result, the welcoming community of learning, offering one of the few third spaces could be transformed into an unfamiliar, or even harmful environment. If this bill is passed the libraries will no longer be able serve the public or themselves, in their full capacity. Libraries are crucial for young kids beginning to develop literary skills. I can say as student at Henry A. Wallace Elementary School and a graduate of Johnston High School, the value of Johnston Public Library within the our city of Johnstons community is unparalleled. I hope you will understand that this bill cannot be passed under any circumstances because the effects would strongly negatively impact the communities and families across Iowa. Thank you for your time.Sincerely, Kaya Young

02-08-2024

Jocelyn Krueger []

Do not pass forward HSB 678. Libraries need to remain free from changing political interference and from elected officials that have little experience or understanding of intellectual freedom and information and library sciences. In our smaller town, the library is the only place that has multiple meeting rooms open to the public, and maintaining a library of diverse perspectives free of political interference means that many people and other community groups can all come to the library and feel welcome. I would also worry about future moves to use this legislation to close libraries down. It would be devastating in our smaller town. Library board oversight is essential and board members are trained, trusted, and equipped to oversee these programs and judiciously allocate library funding. Please vote against HSB 678.

02-08-2024

Rachel Smith []

My family is a homeschool family in Cedar Falls, and I strongly oppose this bill! We utilize both the Waterloo and Cedar Falls libraries every week (and sometimes multiple times each week), not only for school related things, but also for personal reading and entertainment. My 8 year old daughter checks out an average of 30 chapter books every time we go to the library, and then has them all read in about two days! And I often submit requests to our library to purchase specific books that either myself or my children want to read. We have been able to read a wide range of books because of this. Public libraries are the foundation of our communities, and to serve them properly and effectively, they need to retain their local autonomy. Public libraries are first and foremost responsible to the citizens in their community, NOT to lawmakers in the capitol. Keep Iowa citizens in charge of their own libraries!

02-08-2024

Alan Ellickson [Iowa Resident]

HSB 678 is completely out of line and should be thrown out!!!Libraries are the foundation of a free democracy! Library Boards need to retain their local control. The Iowa GOP run legislature continues to enact harmful and discriminating laws that do not protect the rights of all citizens! The US Constitution and Bill of Rights protects all citizens!

02-08-2024

Jodie Morin []

This bill endangers many small public libraries throughout the state and will harm all our public libraries. The current system of public library volunteer boards works and there is no good reason to change this model. Staff of towns and cities throughout Iowa are not trained to take on these responsibilities, nor does this bill provide funding for them to gain that training. Iowa's public libraries provide essential services to all the citizen's of their communities. My own public library writes grants to receive funding for special projects to support our diverse community, recently installing a telehealth room for those without the technology of knowledge to connect with these services in their homes. Will city staff have the bandwidth to take on projects like that? As a library user, and a degreeholding librarian myself, I see no gains here, only losses. Iowa Legislature, it ain't broke, so don't "fix" it!

02-08-2024

Idella Spann [I ]

I am deeply opposed to HSB 678. It has much potential to create chaos and strife in our towns and cities. Our city councils have enough to do without governance of our libraries. Our dedicated volunteer boards do an excellent job of overseeing policies and hiring directors. Please do not change this.

02-08-2024

Corey Melhus []

As a lifelong library patron, former Friends board president, and current Trustee, I oppose HSB 678. HSB678 will significantly undermine the autonomy of over 500 public library boards across the state.Libraries are essential community resources that play a crucial role in fostering education, intellectual growth, and community engagement. The strength of our libraries lies in the localgovernance provided by dedicated library boards, whose members understand the unique needs and aspirations of their communities. Stripping library boards of their powers, as proposed in HSB 678, undermines the democratic principles that guide local decisionmaking and diminishes the ability of these boards to tailor services to the specific needs of their communities.

02-08-2024

Audrey Comer []

I oppose this bill and any like it which would remove local control from libraries. This bill would allow for increased censorship, lower accountability, more politicization, and the ability to suffocate resources to libraries, making them less effective in providing access to information and serving their communities.

02-08-2024

Victoria Fernandez []

I strongly oppose HSB 678. Our nonpartisan library boards provide essential library policy, programming and financial duties. They bring expertise and volunteer their time and expertise city workers will not have been trained in. They also have a passion for this position and want whats best for their libraries, staff and the communities they serve. Stop HSB 678!

02-08-2024

Michael Maxwell []

No more punitive grandstanding from hack politicians vying for a pundit spot on cable news, please. These attacks on public libraries are an attack on democratic and equitable access to information. These antiintellectual politicians can't come right out and say what they actually want to do, so they'll do sneaky stuff like this. Public libraries are pillars of any community, but particularly here in Iowa with our rich literary history. Public libraries are also some of the last places people can enter completely free of charge and linger without having to purchase something. Weaponizing obtuse financial policy against equitable access to information is so goofy. Stop dogpiling on libraries and ...people who want to read books?? and go fix something real like our water or our roads.

02-08-2024

Sean Moran []

I do not understand why our State Legislature is pushing an unpopular Bill for a Library system that is working well. Library Boards provide a great buffer between the public they serve and the elected City Council. Besides alleviating the Council the burden of Library governance, the independent Board structure also keeps Libray collection and other policies nonpolitical. Boards must also keep good relations with the City Councils to keep consistne HR policies with the City as well as submit annual and long range budgets for approvals. Please drop this unproductive Bill and research and legislate where improvement is needed.

02-08-2024

Elsworth Carman []

Please vote NO on this bill. Removing councilapproved library boards would eliminate a critical piece of effective library governance and shift many timeconsuming tasks onto city staff and councilmembers. In Iowa, library board members are appointed by city councils to represent the communities they serve in an impartial, nonpoliticized way and are required to have a deep understanding of libraries and library governance. They receive intentional onboarding and annual continuing education to fulfil their roles. Removing this level of governance will compromise library operations and, in the end, hurt library patrons. I strongly encourage you to explore the agendas, minutes, and/or recordings from your local public library's board meetings before making a decision on this bill; this will help you understand the depth of the work library boards are responsible for. Many libraries have these resources available on their websites. Vote NO on HSB678.

02-08-2024

Maura Marsh [Coon Rapids Public Library]

I urge you to rethink the contents of this bill. In our small community the library would not get any funding due to overspending in other areas. No library, no means of support to those young parents that need literacy programs (story time). No library, no support with job searches (did you know that IA Workforce because they closed a closer location/office now means people have to drive almost an hour to look for jobs on their website if they don't have computers at home. They can't file for unemployment (to get them by when an employer relocated or decided to downsize) until they can find a new job. No library, no social services in our small community (we help seniors ready for retirement file for social security), give them access to programs for those on fixed incomes for LiHEAP (heating assistance), information on local food pantries, literacy programs for all ages from babies to seniors. We rely on that funding and a board to oversee those things. Without a voluntary library board, the city council would probably mandate the library close in our small community and even though they may not use it, it IS heavily used. We're also a location for cemetary searches. Cities won't do any of those servies without a library. PLEASE RETHINK YOUR POSITION ON THIS!!!

02-08-2024

Sara Martindale [Fairfield Public Library]

I oppose this bill as a library professional I have watched our dedicated library board serve the community and support the library with their expert knowledge. In our community the board is made up of library professionals, some work in the corporate world, some are small business owners in our community. These folks work together to guide the policy, procedures, and inner workings of the library with a broad range of experience and a deep love of sustaining the library and supporting its work. They support library staff by adding insight to personnel issues, building issues, and volunteer for programs in addition to the regular duties of a board member. Transferring this responsibility to city council members who already bear the responsibility of city issues will unnecessarily stretch thin the cities volunteer resources, and add a burden to library staff who depend on these community members in the decision making process.

02-08-2024

Katie Johnson []

This bill is completely unnecessary, please vote NO. Library boards and the directors they hire provide a needed and educated service to their community and are essential to protecting the intellectual freedom of Iowans. Stop trying to fix what is NOT broken.

02-08-2024

Kimberly Mashek []

Libraries were formed to be free institutions that provide materials to increase the knowledge and enjoyment to all people within their communities. This bill will hurt communities by stripping away the duties of library boards and funding. Libraries need to be managed by their own separate boards in order to provide non bias governance and independent oversight. This bill will have huge consequences for Iowans. It will have impacts across economic, education, and diversity initiatives. This is extremely detrimental for our rural communities.

02-08-2024

Jillian Aschliman []

I am writing in fierce opposition of HSB 678, aka SSB 3131 that received significant opposition over the last week. Library boards and city governments are separated for a reason: to uphold the first amendment and prevent government control over access to information and free speech. There are already a number of checks and balances between library boards and government officials to ensure there is balance and transparency between both governing bodies. Library trustees go through extensive training to understand the unique issues dealing with library governance, and they are made up of deeply dedicated, and communityfocused citizens who generally want to improve the quality of life for their community. In our city, I know it can be difficult to recruit volunteers to serve on certain boards and advisory committees but in the case of the library, I have a year(+) waiting list of people interested in serving 7year terms. That is a testament to the dedication of our board members and the love our community has for our library. Listen to your constituents. We didn't want this when it was SSB 31313 and we don't want HSB678.

02-08-2024

Melissa Johannes []

I oppose this bill and the effort to strip public libraries of protections. Our libraries are effective under the current governance and director structure and this bill is unnecessary. Our library staff go through specific training to provide the services that are provided. They undergo accreditation renewal every three years which among criteria include ADA compliance checks, Board and staff training, policy review, and a review of services. Our City Councils do not have the time or capacity, or training to undertake these tasks. Libraries will then loose state and federal funding abilities further hurting city budgets. This bill needs to be dropped. Libraries are so much more than books. They are the community hub, a place that everyone is welcome, a place homeless populations come to warm up in the winter and cool down in the summer. They are a place those who cannot afford internet come to do homework, and Zoom meetings, and job interviews. They are a place people can meet others and participate in activities they wouldn't be able to afford to do. People go to libraries for proctoring, notary service, tax help, computer usage, printing, and getting connected to needed resources. The library provides home delivery to seniors unable to get out of their homes, early literacy for those not in school, and so much more. Leave the libraries, the local governance, and their funding alone.

02-08-2024

Allison Johnston []

This bill would negatively impact Iowans of all ages. Library boards allow communities to prioritize the needs of the community that the library serves. Passing a bill like this would place the burden of governance to the city councils and would be a waste of time, as local control of the library boards already exist and function for this purpose. Please vote no on this bill.

02-08-2024

Jennifer Delperdang []

I STRONGLY OPPOSE HSB 678, for even more reasons than I opposed SSB 3131. This bill will destroy the freedoms to access information that the public has a right to. Shifting political whims of City government should not have oversight of library policy or collection development. Libraries are for THE PEOPLE and should be governed in this way.

02-08-2024

Ashley Osborn []

Libraries should not be overseen by city councils. Libraries are by the people, for the people and should by run by local communities. Taking away control of a local library board would put so many libraries in jeopardy, and this bill would remove what libraries do best: serving their communities. The current system should remain in place do not let this bill move forward.

02-08-2024

Eden Moad []

I oppose this bill. Libraries are a public service that have been lovingly curated by people who have dedicated so much of their lives and taking the power of their hands almost guarantees the public will get overlooked. There is not a single reason to move the power from the governing bodies that currently take care of our libraries and I ask that you leave the responsibility to those that have volunteered to carry it long before this bill was introduced.

02-08-2024

Carol Weihe []

Dear Representatives,I was quite surprised and disturbed when I heard our state government was proposing HSB 678 since there isn't a problem to be solved with public library governance. Local library boards contain a cross section of the community. Ours in Pella must have people within the city limits and those from rural areas near Pella, plus a mix of male and female. They are required to have training to learn the responsibilities of a library board and are constantly reviewing policies and expenditures to make sure all guidelines are followed. City councils, which can change every two years and bring their political views to the table, are not ideal candidates for overseeing a library. Besides the fact that they have so many other duties already, our council did not want the extra responsibility of overseeing the library, and a local vote on a resolution eliminated this possibility. City councils already review all minutes from library boards and closely oversee library spending through the budget process each year, and monthly budget reports. Library directors usually attend council meetings in case there are questions. Please do not pass HSB 678 to try to solve a problem that doesn't exist. Let libraries be the safe, inspiring spaces they were meant to be.Thank you,Carol Weihe

02-08-2024

Anne McCullough Kelly [mental health counselor ]

I oppose advancement of this bill and implore you to as well. Last November, the majority of voters in Pella cast their ballots against a resolution that, if passed, would have enacted the same changes HSB 678 proposes. This result was a bipartisan effort and people of Pella expressed the following through their vote: they did not want a political group to have administrative governance of a public resource. Were there people who voted for the resolution? Of course and many of those people campaigned in a platform of restricting access to materials they found personally offensive. The reality is a wellstocked library has something to offend everyone.Library boards are made up of nonpartisan volunteers dedicated to serving the mission of their public library. They receive training and are knowledgeable about library policies and procedures and make decisions keeping library patrons first amendment rights, including the freedom of access to information (upheld by the Supreme Court) at the forefront of their decisionmaking process. Besides the risk of leveraging political influence on libraries, city council members are typically tasked with far too many responsibilities to take on something as big as governance of public libraries. City council members do not have to be loyal to the mission of the library library board members do. Plus, anyone can apply to serve in the position of library board member. Not everyone has the resources to run for city council. The current system of independent library boards have governed our libraries well across the state for many decades and they will continue to do so. Please STOP ADVANCEMENT of this bill and protect the free speech rights of all Iowans.

02-08-2024

Aaron Labertew []

The legislature has zero business dictating what our libraries can and cannot contain. What nation do we live in again? Because the United States of America that I swore an oath to defend would never be pulling stunts like this. Shameful and I hope every last person sponsoring these bills is voted out of office, never to step foot near public service again.

02-08-2024

Michele Patrick []

HSB 678 is unneeded and harmful to the future of local libraries. Iowa's current system for library oversight works very well. The city council appoints community residents to the library board and delegates to them the task of making wise policy and financial decisions for the library. These trustees care about their communities and their libraries and dedicate hours pouring over the library's financial reports, creating longterm building improvement plans, and reviewing the details of library policies. City council members have many other responsibilities and issues vying for their attention, making it challenging for them to dedicate the same level of attention to the details of the library.

02-08-2024

Anna Holland []

Come on! Just like with SSB3131, this isn't necessary. We have a perfectly good system in Iowa for administering public libraries. Citizens who specialize in them and care about them the most dedicate themselves to a library board that stewards the library along with professional librarians using public funds that the people of Iowa are happy to provide. Libraries give us a great return in books, ebooks, internet access, tech help, story times for kids, newspaper and magazine access, public meeting rooms, and space to socialize. Libraries are working well. Iowans don't want this. Hands off!

02-08-2024

Suzanne Barloon []

I am NOT in favor of this bill that would remove library autonomy! Libraries are a constant and are nonpolitical they make books available to everyone, not just those who can afford to buy. Library autonomy is central to democracy.

02-08-2024

Terrance Townsend [Iowa taxpayer]

I strongly oppose this proposal. I have served on both the Newton cit council and the library board and know firsthand how a city administrator could easily have a negative impact on the local library by proposing significant cuts to the library budget and convince the city council approve them. The city council currently has ability to determine library board members and the library budget. I feel this system is working well in Newton for the most part and should not be changed.Thank you,Terrance Townsend

02-08-2024

Janis Comer []

Removing citizens' rights and power by taking away their control of their local library? Yes, this does it. This bill is another clear attempt to wrest local control of public libraries from the communities they serve. Iowans rely on their libraries for everything from storytimes to jobsearch help, workspaces to meeting places, playtime to coffeetime, and everything in between. Iowans must retain the right to vote on major changes to the governance of their local library, rather than having the Library be subject to the political whims of a few city council members. Libraries serve ALL in their communities, and ALL local voters should have a say in their governance. Libraries should not be political footballs; they must be independent, overseen by trained library directors, librarians, and volunteer boards. Don't kill Iowa's libraries. Vote against this bill

02-08-2024

Celia Even []

Our small, rural Iowa communities do not have the bandwidth or budget to take on oversight of the public libraries. This also limits regular (nonpolitically appointed) citizens, who are the ones using the libraries, from having any say in programming and oversight. I strongly oppose the intent of this bill to move oversight to city councils.

02-08-2024

Sue Woody []

Please vote NO to this harmful legislation! Our libraries are led by independent community stakeholders who understand the complexity of library oversight and are willing to give their time, passion, and expertise to provide vital library services to our community. We have larger issues at stake in our community such as low literacy rates and alarming homelessness issues. Why don't we work WITH libraries to help combat these REAL issues instead of hiding behind political agendas?

02-08-2024

Molly Garrett []

I strongly oppose this bill. Our library boards are hardworking, passionate people who volunteer for years to help their libraries. They review policies, help shape the direction of the library, and represent the community. They work with city representatives to make informed decisions based on training and experience. Placing this enormous responsibility on council members who are already stretched thin isn't right. Please vote no.

02-08-2024

Sarah Rosenblum []

Please do not move this bill forward. It is not needed and it will damage Iowa's public libraries and hurt our communities. There is not need for this bill. Do not make our libraries political footballs. You saw the response to SSB 3131, please pay heed to that outcry.Thanks for your attention t this matter.Sarah RosenblumMarshalltown resident

02-08-2024

Benj Kost []

Decision making for public libraries should stay with the libraries and their own governing board. This should not be transitioned to city governments that are already underfunded and stretched too thin.

02-08-2024

Sally Browne []

This bill adds another nail to the coffin of small town resilience. If a library is strongly supported by the local community and provides good services to residents and the surrounding area, it brings people into town, adds a reason to move there, and builds community solidarity. With school vouchers, the legislature has already seriously undermined small towns. This is just a further step in eroding what's left of an important economic and social bulwark of Iowa life.

02-08-2024

Margaret Spiegel [Friends of the Oskaloosa Public Library board member]

I am appalled that such a measure to remove local control from a community resource is being considered with HSB 678. I am a lifelong library user, and actively sought ways to support my local library upon my arrival to Iowa. I make a point to visit libraries when I travel. One of the most beautiful components to a public library is that the resources, programs, and other activities held there reflect the community in which is sits. That is due to the local control of volunteer boards and passionate staff who care deeply for fulfilling the needs of their community. Besides serving youth through targeted programming like summer reading programs and weekly/monthly activities, our library provides resources for job searchers, language learners, lifelong learners, those experiencing grief, creatives needing access to tools and equipment to express their endeavors and more. Our library staff is intimately connected with our community initiatives for tourism, quality of life enhancements, and more. All of this is made possible because of the support of local entities and a volunteer board directing the institution to meet our community's needs. Shifting the control to overburdened city councils ensures the destruction of a critical institution for a community. City leaders don't have the staff or finances to take on another department. It is a loseloselose for everyone if this bill passes. Overworked city leaders will be expected to do more and won't be able to do so, volunteers who want to be actively engaged in the community will not have an active role in speaking for their own community, and most importantly, one of the most equalizing and critical resource hubs in a community will no longer function or meet needs. Please oppose this bill and allow public libraries to serve their community as they have always done.

02-08-2024

Laura Blaker []

Providing elected officials the ability to do away with library boards without requiring a public vote takes power out of the hands of the people and places it in the hands of a few. There are many benefits to governance by a group of invested community members. They steer our libraries with knowledge and insight, and we would lose the talents and dedication of these valuable volunteers with implementation of HSB 678. This bill would open up libraries to increased politicization as well as a heavier burden on our councils and city managers. It threatens the strength, capacity, and even the existence of many of Iowa's public libraries.

02-08-2024

Jennifer Jordebrek []

I am in opposition to HSB 678. This is not in the best interest of libraries or Iowans. Library boards work hard to advocate for their communities and city councils do not have the time to assume their workload and responsibilities. We see this legislation for what it is, veiled attempts to politicize libraries and control materials, programs and resources that one may not agree with. Iowans deserve better.

02-08-2024

Mary Keck [Urbandale Public Library]

I urge all legislative members supporting this bill to reconsider. This bill is a solution looking for a problem. The public libraries in Iowa have been doing a value service to their citizens and changing from having a library board to being directly under the city council does nothing to help the libraries, and in fact, adds cost and work to already strained city councils.

02-08-2024

Allie Smaha []

I am a Urbandale resident and I am strongly NOT in support of HSB 678. I support libraries and library board autonomy and we dont need this legislation. Did you all not read the dozens upon dozens of public comments on SSB3131 from your constituents that were all resoundingly against this type of legislation? Keep libraries well funded and autonomous as they are today. Spend your time on policymaking that would actually help Iowans instead of this nonsense.

02-08-2024

Lisa Leuck [former director- Elgin Public Library]

I won't copy and paste comments from SSB 3131, but we all might as well do that, as this bill will be no less damaging than the first. I left my position as Library Director in Elgin because of politics such as this. Library Boards offer oversight for elected officials who have a political or other agenda for everything they do. My Library Board of Trustees in Elgin continually fought for the rights of library patrons when the city council would not. Council took monies that were bequests to the library and tried to take more power over and over again, and if this bill passes, they will continue to do so. They do not understand law and had to be continually reminded of it, many times ignoring it completely even though they were instructed otherwise. The voices of the their citizens spoke out many times, and they ignored those voices. Please do not ignore the voices of library workers, trustees, patrons, and voters who are obviously opposed to this bill. The word Trustees contains the word TRUST because those are people who care about the library, and your constituency trusts them in communities across the state. Passing this bill would be a clear message to voters that you do not care about education, children, or those who need a safe place to pursue interests that build community and include lifelong learning. The library is not just books. It is the cornerstone of most small communities, communities which make up our state. Don't put this important institution in the hands of those who could seek to tear it down. Leave it in the hands of those we trust to keep it a free and open place for all.

02-08-2024

Beverly Wharton []

I am opposed to HSB 678. We have a wonderful library system that is staffed with leaders who understand library science practices and are properly trained to create and provide new opportunities for learning for citizens of all ages in our state. These skill sets are typically not in the core competency of City Council members and it is hard for me to believe that they would support this legislation. We also have volunteers who are active in providing input as Board members. We have a library system that works and provides a valued service to our community. This proposed legislation does not enhance library services to the citizens of Iowa.

02-08-2024

Isobel Osius [DMPL Board of Trustees]

Public libraries are foundational to our democracy and citizen trustees are vital to ensure that their communities have free access to the information they need to inform, educate and inspire. Citizen trustees reflect and represent their communities rather than political parties or governmental dictates. They are devoted library users who volunteer service and undergo training to make their libraries the best they can be and the most useful to the entire community. Replacing them with government employees would do a disservice to the communities they serve by opening the door to government control of information.

02-08-2024

Jennifer Garner []

I strongly oppose HSB 678 removing library boards and putting all of the policy work and first amendment liabilities on city councils and city workers who haven't asked for it. The voters in Pella are a reflection of democratic process at work. The vote was put to referendum by Iowa citizens in Pella and voted down by the very constituents you claim to represent people like those who voted you all into office. This bill is simply about disenfranchising voters and squashing their voices for political gain. It is government overreach at it's finest and will have extremely adverse economic and social impacts that will jeopardize our small and rural communities and the people who rely on libraries. More over, it puts cities in direct risk of first amendment liabilities is the state prepared to pay for the additional liability insurance cities will need to take? Is the state prepared to provide training to city councils on library operations? The devastation of closing libraries which will happen when small town councils with no formal library training defund these important public institutions will be terrible for Iowans. The effects will be similar to watching our Iowa businesses close, job loss, and our youth leaving our state never to return. We must wake up and work together to sustain our state. HSB 678 is a clear assault to local control, something that the GOP has historically claimed to hold dear. It seems the GOP is set on the destruction of small Iowa communities and bent on moving public services toward privatization. As a lifelong Iowan, I'm saddened that local control is going away and cities are being targeted by legislation such as this reiteration of SSB3131. I urge you not to let this bill leave committee. Keep first amendment protections a right and keep local decisions where they belong, with your citizens. Free people have free access to information and their voices are heard through voting. Please don't limit our freedoms further.

02-08-2024

Joan Curbow []

I was on the library board in a small town for many years, and while I recently moved away from that community, I know that our mayor does not want the responsibility of making library decisions. This bill flies in the face of what Iowans have stood for for decades: chiefly independence from needless governmental interference.This bill is a baldfaced attempt by a minority to impose on the majority their narrow interpretations of what is acceptable. As a lifelong reading Iowan, I reject this controlling overreach. I embrace the statement by librarian Jo Godwin that A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone. When did Iowans decide that to "live and let live" was dangerous? We are better than this bill, and this bill is dangerous to our freedom to choose what we want to read, what we want to view, and how we wish to think.

02-08-2024

Jena Schoenhofer []

Please reconsider this legislation. It is unnecessary and harmful to the autonomy of our public libraries. Public libraries need to remain sources of information for all, free from political battles and agendas. They play a vital role in our communities, offering knowledge, access, technology, community and more for thousands of Iowans. The employees and volunteers of Iowa libraries are passionate, invested individuals with their communities' best interests at heart. I beseech you to drop this bill. Many other areas of state government are in need of your time and attention.

02-08-2024

Vanessa Doden []

What's the old saying, "If something not broke, don't fix it"? I don't understand how this bill could have even been thought up. Library boards are created for a reason by volunteers that have the knowledge and expertise of what a library needs. Giving control of libraries to city councils is just adding more work for a city council and it's work that they do not want or know anything about. This bill would only reroute funds and control out of libraries and it would be VERY devastating to small rural communities. There is nothing wrong with the current system of how libraries are funded and managed, it's not broke so don't try and "fix it".

02-08-2024

Katie Curtis []

Please do not let this bill go through. Our libraries already function at a high and efficient level. This bill is an overuse of power and unnecessary. Our local libraries are thriving under current controls. It is a waste of city resources to provide this service when highquality and committed boards already do an exemplary job.

02-08-2024

Amy Muchmore []

Please vote NO on HSB 678! Stop trying to politicize public libraries. Library boards work incredibly hard to ensure the smooth operation of their libraries, and do so voluntarily. Our City Council already has enough work to do without adding governing libraries to that list. The bill as it is currently written is fine. Why fix what isn't broken?

02-08-2024

Hannah Rapson []

This bill is trying to fix and regulate a system that is not broken. Libraries have been safe spaces for all people to learn and explore, to escape and to find knowledge that empowers them to contribute to our society. We should not overextend the reach of government by consolidating power in a way that burdens systems, limits healthy functioning and productivity of local libraries, and threatens the very existence of these gathering places, such as in rural communities, where there are already limited places to connect with other local residents.

02-08-2024

Crystal Duffy [City of Postville, Community Developer]

I am VEHEMENTLY opposed to HSB 678. Cities are not interested in running libraries, nor do city councils have the proper training or experience to make decisions on the behalf of libraries. This is a governmental overreach, what happened to small government? This creates more work for cities (especially rural) that are barely keeping their heads above water. This takes power AWAY from residents, and takes their right to vote on such things away from them.

02-08-2024

Jan Pellant []

Please vote no on this SSB3131! It is imperative that we do not place the governance of libraries under a political organization. The schools and libraries are the last bastion of intellectual services for our communities . Please leave control and funding to professionals.

02-08-2024

Brianna Sholly []

This bill will do more harm than good in the area of public interest. Libraries need to operate independent of City Councils to retain their ability to serve the entire population. The Library Bill of Rights outlines how important it is to remain neutral and represents all members of the population, not just those with the loudest voting voice. Allowing City Government to take full control of the library would be a disservice to the people of Iowa. Let Library Boards continue to function as they stand.

02-08-2024

Jennifer Latch [Webb Shadle Public Library]

Our town barely has enough city workers to implement the duties they already have. Transferring library governance to the city would add an immense amount of time and work, all without the benefit of the continuation of education and learning made possible in a staggered elected board whose members are committed volunteers.

02-08-2024

Jim Wharton [Sioux City Public Library Board of Trustees]

It appears the legislature is trying to fix a problem that does not exist. As a former Mayor and member of the Sioux City Council I always valued the leadership of dedicated volunteers who served as members of the library board. They provided valuable leadership and oversight to our council and represented our community well. There is simply no valid reason to transfer these critical duties to a city council. Our library board of trustees, of which I am a member, does its best to represent all members of our community. Our only focus is on our public library. We take our work seriously with our only goal of maintaining a public library that serves everyone. I would hope that our legislature would focus on issues like workforce development, healthcare and education and not attempt to insert a wedge issue that simply doesn't exist.

02-08-2024

Dr. Zachary Stier []

Good morning, I've worked at Ericson Public Library (Boone) for almost 13 years. I am the children's librarian. In my role, I am responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive programming and services for children and families both in and out of the library. A strong fabric to a community is a public library. It is a place that welcomes everyone. It is a place that supports community wellbeing. All this will change if this bill goes through. I vehemently oppose this bill.

02-08-2024

Kayla Becker []

I oppose HSB 678 and its predecessor SSB 3131. As a librarian, I see this bill attempting to fix a system that is not broken and disconnecting us from serving all of our patrons.As a parent, I see this bill ultimately denying information access for my family and all families.As a Norwalk resident, I see the future of our city council meetings and am disgusted by the potential for gross misuse of funds and taxpayer dollars, wasting our time in drawn out meetings time and time again. As a lifelong Iowan, Im disgusted our legislators are so out of touch as to think this is what Iowans want and our wasting everyones time and money continuing this discussion. Vote no to HSB 678 and get to work on something that actually matters.

02-08-2024

Anne Coatar []

I oppose HBS 678 and strongly urge committee members to dissolve this bill. As a pillar of our communities, we must protect intellectual freedom and the right to information provided by our public libraries. Our libraries serve everyone in the community, and choices concerning the library should be made by those living and working in that same community. Keep local control of libraries.

02-08-2024

Kristi Sorensen []

Please vote no on this bill. The system in place is working, it is not a problem that needs fixed. Library board members work hard to keep the library focused on the needs of everyone in their community. They communicate and work with the city to provide the services that work best for all.

02-08-2024

Tim Hickman [Des Moines Public Library Board of Trustees]

I am writing in opposition to this proposed bill. The City of Des Moines ordinance states that Library Board members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the council. This process is consistent with a long established process designed to keep libraries as institutions that represent all ranges of the political spectrum and all members of our communities. Libraries provide valuable services to their community and are functioning very well under present law. Limiting the services, programs, and materials provided by the library by taking away the autonomy of library boards will make our public libraries volatile and subject to the current political views of a minority. Libraries need to continue to be independent and stable, representing all in our community and accessible to all.

02-08-2024

Tracy Briseno []

I am deeply concerned by the impacts this bill would have. The value of volunteer Iowans who have chosen to educate themselves and contribute to ensuring the library meets the needs of the whole community cannot be overstated.

02-08-2024

Lynette Rogers []

As a lifelong reader and educator, I am appalled that this bill would take local control from our libraries. Please consider our rights as citizens of this state. We have the right to control our libraries!

02-08-2024

Julie Rosenbohm []

It would be very interesting to me to understand the motivation behind this bill. I am blessed to live in a place where our library system is working beautifully. Our board is made up of an amazing group of appointees who serve our population with the interest of ALL in mind, and I imagine that so many others are the same. Our community is so much better for it. Allowing this system to be dismantled and sending oversight to a city councilwho does not need additional work that is already being covered extremely well by volunteer trusteesis irresponsible and will ultimately damage a resource that is depended on by so many, myself and my family included. Please do not advance this bill. I urge all lawmakers to spend some more time with whatever problem spurred the introduction of HSB678 and SBB3131 and find a different solution that will fix the problem without creating more and negatively impacting Iowans' quality of life. Libraries should not be in the middle of politics.

02-08-2024

Judi Kaut []

Vote NO on this bill. Certainly there are interesting "reasons" for this bill, but they aren't good ones. Leave libraries and library boards alone. Politician X doesn't like a book in his library? He shouldn't check it out. Find another. Let people with local knowledge and experience make local library decisions. There are soooooo many useful things you could be proposing and working on. Why are you wasting so much taxpayer time and money on bills like this?

02-08-2024

Brooke Santillan []

Please vote no on HSB678 and do not advance it out of committee. This bill would harm our communities by disenfranchising voters and allowing libraries to succumb to the prevailing winds of politics from whichever direction they blow. Library boards are filled with dedicated community members who volunteer their time to ensure their libraries are protected from the toxicity of politics and represent all members of the community. Library administration and trustees already work with and have relationships with their city councils. Library boards allow community members to have oversight of their library by regular folks instead of elected officials. The 1st Amendment demands that community members be granted access to information. Our libraries are the means by which this access is provided to our community. It is crucial that we continue to shield libraries from politics so libraries can continue to do their duty and enrich the lives of their community members.

02-08-2024

Nick Rossman []

I am opposed to this bill. The citizens of Pella should have made it clear that this legislation is unpopular. Over 70% of voters oppose attempts to remove books from libraries. Libraries perform so many services to their community including educational support, connection to social services, and opportunities for citizens to explore and grow. There is no other institution that provides such a wide breadth of opportunities and focus areas. Library Boards understand these needs and have devoted their time and energy to help libraries focus on ways to help people in their communities. These efforts have been aiding City Council and city goals for more than 100 years in Iowa. It seems foolish to throw that all away over the fact that a few people don't like some of the books on the shelf.

02-08-2024

Amanda Fonteyne []

Please vote no for this bill. There is no benefit to the average citizen, there is also no benefit to already stretched city governments. This bill is ill advised and poorly thought out in every way.

02-08-2024

Ann Gale [Retired]

I oppose this bill. The effect would be to concentrate power into the hands of fewer people, and make it more difficult for the people who use the library to help make decisions about it. I believe that library control should be in the hands of the library board.

02-08-2024

Judy Janssen []

I strongly oppose this bill. As a former library board member/president, I know how conscientiously volunteer board members perform their duties. Our city staff do not want another responsibility for which they are not trained or qualified. The city already has oversight of and information on all library functions. This is unnecessary. Do not advance this bill.

02-08-2024

Amanda Grimm []

HSB 678 is simply SSB 3131 that's been submitted to the House rather than the Senate. The vehement opposition to that bill should also be taken into consideration for this bill as well. The system of checks and balances between library boards and city councils should not be removed in favor of further politicizing our libraries and adding undue responsibilities onto city councils. The city council has already entrusted the running of the library to the library board and serves at the mayor's appointment. Therefore, the city can focus on responsibilities that don't have another oversight board as well as managing tax dollars, etc. And if one oversight board can be removed, what's to say others won't be removed through legislation as well? The separation of powers benefits all involved and provides governmental transparency and accountability. Please vote no on this bill.

02-08-2024

Diane Panfil []

As a current Library Director, former Library Board Trustee, and lifetime library user, I am strongly opposed to HSB 678. Such a drastic measure threatens the operational and financial sustainability of communities and their libraries. Local library boards are dedicated, trained volunteers who are best positioned to allocate funds, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed and will best serve their communities. While our current City Council is very supportive of our library, that may not always be the case. City Councils do not need, or want, the added responsibility of monitoring the day to day operations of running a library. Library boards are trained on library matters, and spend hours reviewing policy, setting budgets and reviewing expenses, as well as keeping informed of all things happening in the library. Our local libraries offer services to those in their communities, surrounding communities, and surrounding rural areas. Libraries provide access to information, technology, entertainment, and cultural enrichment. Libraries have become community centers and are often a vital part of smaller communities. To take oversight away from the board and give it to the city council seems counterproductive and unnecessary. City councils and administrators will be spending more time (which means more taxpayer money) to perform the duties of the library boards. If this bill moves forward, Iowans lose, and no one wins. Please stop HSB 678 from moving forward.

02-08-2024

Deborah Hatz [Coralville Public Library - Board of Trustees Member]

Do not move forward on this bill HSB 678. All Iowa libraries are immensely important to the community and citizens they serve. It makes no senses to create a bill to take away levies that are important to sustain the goals and patrons they each serve? It doesn't. Our Library is the heart of our community and serves all who walk through our doors. It is a welcoming, helpful, informative, supportive institution to everyone. I have volunteered for 24 year and served on the Board of Trustees for 20 years and have witnessed how well we work together in our Library to serve everyone...it is a vital service in our community to all ages. These are challenging times and we do not need any more bills that remove and/or hinder serving the people of Iowa. Say NO to HSB 678. Please!

02-08-2024

Kamryn Kronschnabel [Charles City Public Library]

This bill would not only burden city workers and councils with additional responsibilities but also jeopardizes the oversight provided by dedicated and informed volunteer Iowans who serve on library boards. I came to the meeting on Monday, February 5 to fight against SSB 3131 and I will continue to fight against this bill.

02-08-2024

Tamara Orte []

Please reconsider this bill. Decision making for public libraries should stay with the libraries and their own governing board. This should not be transitioned to city governments. As a trustee, our board works well with the exceptional elected city officials we have in place. City councils would prefer to leave library policies and accreditation decisions with appointed trustees boards. Trustees Board members are appointed and approved by the mayor and city council members and this process should remain as such. The current system is functioning well, please do not further limit our intellectual freedom.

02-08-2024

Jolene Kronschnabel [Hawkins Memorial Library]

I strongly oppose this bill. Do not take away local control of libraries. I do not support allowing councils to restructure appointed library boards and shifting all policy making, collection development, and operational control to city councils.I do not support forcing city workers to take on additional policy reviews, legal liabilities, complex first amendment procedures, and mandatory training in order to receive state and federal funding.I do not support removing the peoples enhanced oversight, transparency, and liability of their public libraries by removing volunteer Iowans from the process.I do not support removing the power of the people and placing it directly into the hands of municipal staff and city councils.

02-08-2024

Lucinda Wonderlich-Fuller []

Vote no on removing library boards; they are needed. City councils do no have time to deal with this. The city councils approve who are board members and have delegated the member of the library boards to oversee the libraries. Why is the legislature wasting time on something that already works?

02-08-2024

David Muhlena []

I am strongly opposed to this bill. This bill would take away the autonomy of local library boards to make decisions in the best interests of local library patrons and place it in hands of municipal staff and city councils who may not share those interests. Small, rural libraries may be most affected by this proposed legislation. These small town libraries are often the only place where community members can access materials about a wide range of subjects. This legislation has the potential to degrade the quality of service that rural libraries provide, which in turn would degrade the quality of life in rural Iowa. Do not advance this legislation!

02-08-2024

Cody Abundis []

please keep politics out of our local libraries. Suppression of information and knowledge is not what our state and country should be about. I urge the representatives considering this bill to not go forward with it.

02-08-2024

Sonja Ferrell [Ottumwa Public Library]

Please kill this bill. This overrides the will of the people. This has been attempted in two communities and failed. It should be up to local citizens and not political agendas at the state level. Iowa has a storied history in public libraries since the author of the ALA Bill of Rights was at the Des Moines Public Library. Let' continue in that honored tradition and uphold our independent Library board of trustees.

02-08-2024

Cody Abundis []

02-08-2024

Rita Schmidt []

There is no reason for this bill as local communities already have control over their libraries through their local boards. When we have an opening on our board for a new trustee, our mayor recommends an interested member of the community to the city council for appointment. Our city council then approves that persons appointment to the board. That person receives training on the purpose of public libraries, how they function, their importance to a community, how to manage funds so the library is meeting its communitys needs, and how to advocate for their library in their community. Any interested member of our community can apply to be a trustee, regardless of their sex, race, religion, political affiliation, economic situation, or education. The only real requirement is a desire to serve the community by ensuring every citizen has access to the materials they want and need. I have worked with many trustees over the years and all of them have been dedicated to making sure that our library is meeting our residents needs. They have been compassionate, open minded, engaged, and truly invested in making our city the best it can be.Library boards provide focus, transparency, and broader representation to the operation of a public library. Independent boards are important because they ensure that library services, collections, policies, and programs are not subject to the undue influence of any one group. Local, independent boards allow all citizens in a community to have access to the materials and services they need regardless of their age, sex, gender identity, color, race, or religion. Libraries are essential to a wellinformed, educated citizenry and a boards independence guards against the possibility of special interest groups or individuals depriving people of their right to the information they need or the materials they want to read. Independent library boards also help reduce the workload of city councils, mayors, and city administrators by allowing them to focus on large projects and initiatives, economic development, community safety, and city infrastructure needs. There are many important and critical issues in our state that need to be addressed but libraries are not one of them. Our library is doing everything it can to help make Iowa great by providing our citizens with a welcoming space to get connected, satisfy their curiosity, and learn more about their place within the global community. This proposed bill would not help us continue to do that or to meet our communitys needs and so I am adamantly opposed to it.Thank you.

02-08-2024

Jessica Wonderlich []

I strongly oppose HSB 678. As a library patron and volunteer, I see how well our local libraries work with their current systems in place. There is no need to have city councils involved more than they are they lack the expertise and time. This bill should not move out of committee.

02-08-2024

Sean McAreavy []

Please stop taking thing away from childeren and communities to give people with little man syndrome more power. Libraries are essential to communities and have done well with out being pushed by an agenda. Please wake up and actually start thinking about the communities and people your suppose to be representing

02-08-2024

Jacynthia West []

The same concerns are still present for this bill as there were for SSB 3131. The City Council has oversight of Library Boards already, ensuring that they have a voice when it comes to library decisions. Removing the Board reduces efficiency in library decision making and stretches Council's time and effort unnecessarily, when there is already a Council appointed volunteer force taking on that role on their behalf. Things like "what color should we paint the entryway" are not decisions that need to be put onto City Council if the Board is removed. The lack of efficiency would quickly restrict libraries' abilities to provide service to their populations when more important decisions than wall color are neglected due to not delegating them to the Council appointed Board.

02-08-2024

Priya Shenoy []

Library policy, collection development, and other decisionmaking should not be taken on or directed by city council members who have no training or understanding about librarianship or how best to run a library. The people currently in these positions may have years of experience managing and helping libraries. City Councils do not. By taking the decisionmaking capabilities of libraries away from people who are best suited to do this work, this bill will cripple what libraries do best. Libraries need to be locally controlled.

02-08-2024

Jan Netolicky []

As a lifelong user of the library, I urge you to abandon this legislation that is a solution in search of a problem. Library boards currently work to serve the needs of their communities; removing that autonomy is unwise and unnecessary. It also seems antithetical to the Republican mantra of small government. Members of our library board here in Cedar Rapids work tirelessly to fund myriad educational and enrichment programs which benefit all citizens in the greater CR area. I question whether city government officials have the desire to take on the added responsibilites of overseeing the library. Why "fix" what is not broken? Please, abandon this illadvised bill.

02-08-2024

Kathryn Whalen []

This bill would add more bureaucracy into governing libraries. Library Boards are appointed by local municipalities, and they work closely with the city governments to provide services to their communities. The relationship of the library director/library board and local government is intricately linked because they already work with them on budgets and planning for the library. For my local libraries, there is an alderman who serves as a liaison the to the Library Board. Library Boards offer an opportunity to citizens to have a say in local government and support one of the essential services provided by cities. This bill would be detrimental to an already working system.

02-08-2024

Tricia Semple []

Stop! Stop trying to putting more politics in our libraries. Instead of spending valuable time and energy into destroying our library board systems, why not use your power to push for resources and services that libraries really need. Step inside my local library and you will see teenagers gathering to socialize, people learning about gardening, children laughing at story time, people getting connected to resources and opportunities that they can find nowhere else except than within library walls. You will see people of every ethnicity, age, economic background, gender, etc. My library board advocates for diversity, inclusion, and equity. Stop making public libraries a pawn in some political game. If you understood the whole point of libraries, you would see we don't serve one agenda, we serve the needs of ALL people. Leave our library institutions alone so we can continue our important work for all the various communities of Iowa.

02-08-2024

Elizabeth Bauch []

I object to HSB 678 for the same reasons that I opposed SSB3131: the decision to reduce the library levy should be decided by the voters, not by a city council. The legislature appears to be taking a roundabout way to address some perceived problem indirectly. Let registered voters make this decision, not officeholders.

02-08-2024

Aubrey Riefe []

We take my three children to our local libraries every week. We read 1015 new books every week. My son has read over 1000 individual books at the age of 3! We love our public libraries and need to maintain their smooth functioning as currently present. STRONGLY OPPOSE HSB 678

02-08-2024

Grace Chamberlain []

As a lifelong Iowa library user, I oppose HSB 678. This bill strips Iowa library board of trustees of their power and transfers it to the city council. Library boards are uniquely positioned to understand the needs of their local libraries and moving their work onto city employees and council members would add significant burden to our city administration. This biggovernment bill also eliminates valuable community engagement from local citizens and undermines our country's and state's democratic principles of governance. Please dismiss this dangerous bill.

02-08-2024

Juan Himar Hernandez []

We strongly oppose this bill. We ask that bigger government stays out of people's lives. There are bigger issues happening in our state like being top in number of pet breeders violations, nursing homes violations and rural population decline. We did not elect you to advance agendas but to fix Iowa's issues.

02-08-2024

Erica Eis []

As a lifelong Iowan and library user I oppose HSB 678. Whether in metropolitan or rural areas, public libraries are an established hallmark of Iowan communities that not only provide important resources to their community members, but are part of the fabric of what it means to be an Iowan town. And the threads of this fabric are the local library boards and levies that support libraries across the state, threads which HSB 678 (and SSB 3131 before it) threaten to unravel. Let local communities support their libraries as they have done for decades so that libraries in turn can keep helping their towns thrive.

02-08-2024

Matt Fonteyne []

Yet another move by the socalled party of small government and freedom to limit the first amendment rights of authors and artists whose viewpoints they do not share. Step aside and don't create solutions for problems that do not exist. Vote against this unnecessary piece of legislation.

02-08-2024

Marion Gaughan []

As a director of a city library, I work very closely with the Library Board and the City Council. Our City Council appoints interested community members from the city and the county to the Library Board to serve as representatives of the entire community, including the City Council. Our library staff is intimately connected with our community initiatives for tourism, quality of life enhancements, and more. All of this is made possible because of the support of local entities and a volunteer board directing the institution to meet our community's needs. Shifting the control to overburdened city councils ensures the destruction of a critical institution for a community. City leaders don't have the staff or finances to take on another department. Removing library boards also removes the county's voice from the library operations. A Library is one of the most equalizing and critical resource hubs in a community. Allow public libraries to serve their community as they have always done. I strongly oppose HBB 678 striping the control of libraries from library boards and therefore from the communities.

02-08-2024

Mary Radloff []

I am writing as a past library board member and president and current library finance committee member. You saw the vehement opposition on Monday. Leave libraries alone. Library board members are appointed by city councils. Library boards perform valuable services that city councils do not have the time or inclination for. This will destroy libraries. Please vote this down.

02-08-2024

Jo Beer [City of Fairfax]

As City of Fairfax Mayor, I am OPPOSED to HSB678, its predecessor SSB3131, and any other bills related to further restricting or removing Iowas Library Boards ability to operate a library in the best interest of its patrons.I agree with other posted comments that removing the current process and replacing it with oversight from elected officials is a shortsighted step towards a censored community. It appears to be part of the meanspirited and uninformed book ban movement.

02-08-2024

Amy Condon []

I oppose the proposed bill. Our libraries benefit from having volunteer Iowans on the boards who keep things transparent at libraries, which keeps local citizens highly involved in the process. There is no reason to give this task to City Council members who may have little to no experience with their public libraries, nor do they have the time or capacity to handle the board as well as volunteers do. This bill will have no benefit on the citizens of Iowa, and I urge you to oppose it.

02-08-2024

Megan Hayes []

When it comes to the governance of library boards, keeping them public rather than under government control in a local town can have several advantages. Here are a few points you can consider when explaining why HSB678 might be a bad idea:1. Independence and autonomy: Library boards that are publicly voted tend to have more independence and autonomy in decisionmaking. This allows them to respond to the specific needs and interests of the community they serve. If the boards are under government control, there is a risk of political influence interfering with the board's ability to make decisions in the best interest of the library and its patrons.2. Expertise and diversity: Publicly voted library boards often consist of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. This diversity brings different perspectives to the decisionmaking process and ensures that the board can effectively address the wide range of needs and interests of the community. If the boards are under government control, there is a possibility of limited representation and a lack of expertise, which may hinder the board's ability to make wellinformed decisions.3. Community engagement and accountability: Publicly voted library boards provide an opportunity for community members to actively participate in the governance of their local library. This engagement fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among the community, as they have a say in selecting board members who will represent their interests. If the boards are under government control, there may be a perceived lack of community involvement, leading to decreased transparency and accountability.4. Longterm planning and stability: Publicly voted library boards often have a longterm perspective and focus on the sustainable development of the library. They can prioritize initiatives that align with the community's longterm needs and aspirations. If the boards are under government control, there is a possibility of shortterm decisionmaking, influenced by changing political priorities, which may hinder the library's ability to plan and implement effective longterm strategies.5. Trust and public perception: Publicly voted library boards often enjoy a higher level of trust and credibility among the community. This trust is built on the understanding that the board members are chosen by the public and are directly accountable to them. If the boards are under government control, there may be a perception of political interference or lack of transparency, which can undermine public trust in the library's governance.In conclusion, keeping library boards publicly selected provides several benefits, including independence, expertise, community engagement, and longterm planning. It allows the library to effectively serve the community's needs and maintain public trust. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when discussing the governance of library boards with the legislature.

02-08-2024

Nicole Ellis []

First of all, thank you for the opportunity to comment on a bill that will impact my community.As you are aware, this proposed bill seeks to place decision making regarding library functions under the control of city councils. Not only would this be an added burden on our City Council members, it would take away from the value that an informed and voluntary library board has in creating a nonpartisan and communityled institution. Library boards are made up of library users! They are local individuals that care about keeping the library a neutral space accessible to their fellow community members!By approving this bill, you would be taking away one of the few public institutions that allows the local individual to participate and directly impact its functions. By rejecting this bill, you leave libraries in the hands of people who care about their neighbors and their ability to access information and local resources.Please keep libraries in the hands of the people!

02-08-2024

Faith Brehm []

I oppose HSB678 and SSB3131. Stop trying to take away citizen's rights to have a direct say on their library through public vote and giving that control over to city councils. This bill will only cause harm for our Iowa communities.

02-08-2024

Brenda Ross []

I oppose HSB 678. Our legislative leaders talk about making common sense decisions, but it doesn't make any sense to impose the types of limits to the citizens' decisionmaking power which HSB 678 proposes. You have bigger problems to address than creating ones that don't exist. Representatives, have you talked to your library staff and boards in your hometowns to see what they have to say about this?

02-08-2024

Hilary Tanner [FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library]

As an avid library user and lover, I am afraid of what this will mean for this beloved community resource. Our library system (3 beautiful locations with programming for all ages, resources for everyone in the community and an incredible wealth of books, movies and more) is well led by the educated, compassionate trustees and staff that have only the best intentions for the library and the community. Our libraries do not need more oversight but more funding! Our libraries should not be political tools to be manipulated for the benefit of the few. They are open to all and must reflect the needs of all in our communities.

02-08-2024

C Maynard []

We have professional librarians and volunteer library boards for a reason. Local officials have no business dictating what information and materials a community can and cannot have access to. Toss out HSB 678 and focus on actually providing for Iowa communities rather than policing their reading habits.

02-08-2024

Helen Rigdon [Sioux City Public Library]

I implore you to kill this bill. What is the reason for trying to fix something that isn't broken? This is a power grab that makes no sense to anyone. Public libraries are free and open to all citizens. Library boards receive training and orientation to know how libraries serve the citizens this is something that the city council wouldn't want to take on.

02-08-2024

Mary Kyte []

Really????????????? Didnt your father tell you if it isnt broken dont fix it! The Libraries in Iowa are NOT broken. Certainly aremuch more effective then our Legislators. Please do something constructive with the time left in this session!

02-08-2024

Wendy DeCora []

You're just trying to repackage SSB3131 and get it passed under a different name! Do not politicize libraries. As a native Iowan, I was proud to grow up in a small town (Bussey) that had an amazing library for a town of 500 people. I'm now a proud Iowa Citian who adores the ICPL. Libraries are places for all people and Iowa has wonderful libraries that work fine just as they are. Do not mix city politics and our libraries!

02-08-2024

Joa LaVille [Marshalltown Public Library]

I strongly oppose HSB 678. A committed library board of community members is an important way to keep the library out of political whims or gameplaying, which is crucial for a public library that serves as a welcoming and inclusive library for everyone in the community. Why these unprecedented attacks on Iowa libaries? First taking away our voterapproved library levies and then trying to make these changes in how our public libraries have operated successfully for years and years? Iowans support public libraries, and our communities want local control.

02-08-2024

Polly Antonelli []

02-08-2024

Teresa Keefe O'Meara [Library Board Member]

I am a library board member, lifelong library user and say, "No support on this bill". What does it accomplish?*It dismantles a current working and successful model in which local volunteers serve to oversee, assist in decision and policy making, act as liaisons with community to name a few of their roles and responsibilities. The library board members are specifically trained and willing to assist in the operation of local libraries. *It reduces the number of people our community members can access with specific library issues. As a library board member I am one more accessible person in the community whom others approach with questions, concerns and suggestions regarding the library. The input from community members keeps the library open to changes in policy and operating procedures. * This overtaxes our elected council members with more work. The need for the same discussions, oversight and policy review will continue to exist only it will place the burden on fewer people. The amount of work our few paid city employees have is already a full load. Fielding questions, concerns and etc. regarding the library is more work they do not need to have in their full schedules. This is true of our elected city council members. *This, in turn, reduces the number of involved citizens who are willingand have opportunity to volunteer. Community involvement and volunteerism keep our communities thriving and representative of ALL of our community members, not simply an elected few.A successful, working, efficient, community involved system is already in place to keep our libraries vital, accessible and thriving.Taking away (more) local control and decisionmaking is not the answer. NO, this bill is not the answer and should not be supported.

02-08-2024

Janell Armstrong []

Public Libraries are the heartbeat of a community. Free access to a wellrounded collection, functioning computers, and engaging programs benefits everyone. But is especially important for communities who serve a vulnerable, lowincome population, such as the one I live in and serve as a library board member. A wellappointed board of trustees serves to support the library director in maintaining these critical services for the community. I oppose any bill whose result dissolves appointed library board of trustees, specifically HSB 678. Please do not move forward with this bill.

02-08-2024

Angela Jacobs [Traer Public Library Board]

This bill must not be passed. How can the already busy city councils add to their already taxing responsibilities? And with no expertise in the area of public libraries, this is a recipe for disaster.

02-08-2024

Callen DeWit []

I oppose this bill. Library governance systems are not broken, they just threaten conservative extremists who want to lead through fear and control rather than reason, respect, and discourse. Trust in the professionalism and long history of libraries as vital, equalizing service institutions devoted to meeting citizens' needs, and trust in your citizens, who want Iowa libraries to remain as they are.

02-08-2024

Renee Bartling []

Public libraries were setup to protect the rights and freedoms of every citizen. I find it very disturbing that a system that has been and continues to be successful is even being questioned. Please do not let this disservice to democracy and Iowa citizens be considered.

02-08-2024

Hanna Karim []

I am a small town librarian that loves to help my community, and I don't understand the necessity of this bill. Our public library only receives 33% of our budget from the city, and the rest is raised through donations or grants. It is a collaborative effort between board members, library staff, and their community to raise most of our operating budget without any help from the city. All of that money goes to keeping the doors open, the lights on, and the roof from leaking. If the members of the community and city council wanted the library to be under city council control then they would've voted for it already. I think the recent vote in Pella is evidence of that.You are blatantly taking rights away from the people that elected you. Our board members, volunteers, and staff have worked so hard the past few years to build our library and community up. This bill would destroy so many good and helpful things for Iowans.

02-08-2024

Cary Ann Siegfried []

I have worked in libraries in 4 different states and I have to say that the state that "does libraries" BEST in my opinion is Iowa! Why would we change something that is working so well? One of the first things I learned about working in public libraries is that every library is different and should meet the specific needs of that community. In my professional opinion, having an independent library board that knows the needs and wants for the community is vital. BUT if a community wants to change that, there is process in place where the voters can make that decision. The state should not be stepping in and making decisions that should be made at the community level. HSB is completely unnecessary bill that exerts state control over a process that should be decided locally.

02-08-2024

Renee Bartling []

02-08-2024

Lauryn Shapter []

Please vote no on this bill. It is unnecessary, places undue additional burdens on our city councils, and dismisses the very vital role that trustees play as liaisons between the public and their library. Do not try to fix what is not broken.

02-08-2024

Beth Crow []

I am a retired library director with over 20 years experience. There is no need for this bill, because the present setup is beneficial to both the library community and the city council. More citizens are drawn in via the library board of trustees and learn how the city functions within their city code, state and federal law. City council members learn about the history of free libraries, and how libraries provide information to their constituents to add to their quality of life. This system has worked well ever since Benjamin Franklin started the first free library. Legislators, please don't mess with success!

02-08-2024

Sarah Sellon [Ely Public Library]

I am asking you to reconsider this bill. Removing the current process and replacing it with oversight from elected officials who may have little experience with intellectual freedom is a shortsighted step towards a censored community. Our elected officials are already overwhelmed with their responsibilities for running the city and do not need anything further placed on their plates. Please reconsider this bill.

02-08-2024

Martha Herzberg [Villisca Public LIbrary]

I do not support HSB 678. I feel this bill is vindictive to city libraries, including library directors and library Boards of Trustees. SSB 3131 in the Iowa Senate was defeated in the subcommittee, only to be resurrected by sour grapes in the spiteful form of HSB 678, where Representatives hope to get their revenge on library directors and library Boards of Trustees who dared to speak out against SSB 3131. This is personally hurtful to myself and all the librarians of the 543 public libraries in the state of Iowa.

02-08-2024

Andrew Nostvick []

I can't believe we're doing this again. I'm against SSB 3131 and I'm certainly against HSB 678. I'm outraged by this bill and disappointed that the Iowa legislature wants to destroy libraries as we know them.

02-08-2024

Kristen Beech []

Local control. Isnt that what Republicans campaign on? City Councils are not experts in Library Science. Let the city councils do their job. Let libraries do theirs. This is yet another overreach to denigrate marginalized populations. Its so exhausting trying to keep up with all the ways the IA state legislators hate people.

02-08-2024

S. Deyoe []

I oppose this bill, because I believe the current system benefits the public, local governments, and libraries. There is no reason for this other than to take successful local control away and politicize libraries.

02-08-2024

Benjamin Clark []

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed legislation that would grant city councils the authority to unilaterally change the hiring process for a library director without the involvement of a library board. As a concerned citizen and advocate for public libraries, I firmly believe that such a change would undermine the principles of transparency, accountability, and expertise in the governance of our public library systems.Library directors play a critical role in shaping the direction and vision of our libraries. They are responsible for overseeing the implementation of programs and services that meet the diverse needs of our communities, and their leadership directly impacts the quality of library services provided to the public. Therefore, it is essential that the process of hiring a library director be conducted in a manner that ensures the selection of the most qualified candidate based on their professional credentials, experience, and commitment to the values of librarianship.Allowing city councils to unilaterally change the hiring process for a library director circumvents the established mechanisms of governance that have been put in place to safeguard against political interference and ensure the integrity of the hiring process. Library boards, comprised of individuals with expertise in library science, education, and community engagement, are uniquely positioned to oversee the hiring process in a manner that is impartial, objective, and focused on the best interests of the library and the community it serves.Moreover, involving a library board in the hiring process helps to promote transparency and accountability by providing a forum for public input and oversight. Library boards are accountable to the community and are charged with representing the interests of library patrons in matters related to library governance. By bypassing the involvement of a library board, the proposed legislation would limit opportunities for public engagement and diminish the level of oversight and accountability in the hiring process.In conclusion, I urge you to reconsider the proposed legislation and uphold the role of library boards in the hiring process for library directors. Preserving the integrity of the hiring process is essential to ensuring the continued success and effectiveness of our public libraries as vital community resources.

02-08-2024

Brianna Glenn []

The way library boards are structured, as per the Code of Iowa, has not been a problem so I'm not entirely sure why anyone thought this bill was necessary beyond being a blatant attempt to politicize library boards, as well as a flagrant example of government overreach to seize power from the people. Citizens are perfectly capable of voting for a referendum of their library board structure if desired, there is no need for the Iowa Legislature to hand that power directly to the cities. Vote no on HSB 678

02-08-2024

Allen Geilenfeld []

This bill does a disservice to the public libraries in the State of Iowa by increasing the burden of oversight to our local governing body. The libraries are functioning well under the current policies. This bill would endanger small, rural libraries. There are many issues before our legislature that need our elected officials attention libraries are not one of them. I urge you to vote NO on this bill.

02-08-2024

Wendy Doyel [Woodbine Carnegie Public Library - Director]

I am vehemently opposed to this bill! If we are truly a free people, then the way a library is run needs to stay the way it is; Of the People, By the People, For the People. Taking that away is just not right, giving city counsel's full control over something has always been done "By the People" goes against everything our forefathers fought for. Do not "fix" something that is NOT broken!

02-08-2024

Douglas Reiling []

On the face of it, this bill is much like SSB3131, creating even more government interference in existing private library boards. Those currently in control of the legislature should know better than to push this kind of big government overreach. I seriously question the wisdom of inserting elected officials any further into the running of public libraries. If you can't imagine the unintended consequences, look no further than the legal battle currently being funded by taxpayers to ban books from public school libraries. With the independence of library boards gone, how long do you suppose it will be before some politician starts an equally misguided effort to ban books from public libraries?

02-08-2024

Donetta Stewart []

I am adamantly opposed to HSB 678. It is simply another incarnation of SSB 3131. Libraries belong to the people. The place where political agendas have absolutely no business. This bill strips independent, nonpartisan library boards of their autonomy and libraries of control over their assets. It open the door to censorship control the points of accessibility to material and ideas. Stop this bill. We, the supporters of free libraries are watching.

02-08-2024

Heather Frese [Ericson Public Library]

As a trustee for over seven years on my local library board, I am commenting in opposition of this bill. This is just replacing SSB 313, minus the potential for defunding libraries. Trustees are already politically appointed, so I'm not sure why a local city council would want to take on the responsibilities of hiring/firing directors, or determining where library funds are allocated. This would absolutely take the power away from the people, and put it in the government, which can be detrimental to many communities. Trustees are advocates for the library and know what is going on within their local library. I trust that many city council people are not on the same page, and would not advocate for the library in a way that volunteer trustees do. Please reconsider this and kill this bill as well.

02-08-2024

Claire Matthews []

This bill is unnecessary overreach by the state government. City councils already evaluate and appoint Library trustees and can regulate Trustee boards via the selection process. This bill is a thinly disguised method to politicise city councils and the community resources that the public library provides. Perhaps this is the intention, but the political door swings both ways. Voters in Pella and in other communities across Iowa have shown that citizens do not want their public libraries to be political battlegrounds.In small towns, this adds additional pressure on city managers that have too many things on their plates already. Adding Library oversight also piles on nuanced collection development policies to managers that have little experience in library bylaws or in the specialized community resources that libraries have been for decades in our state.This bill is a waste of time, as it strips the rights of local citizens and adds burdensome paperwork to city offices.

02-08-2024

Elizabeth Schechinger [Harlan Community Library]

Please say no to HSB 678! Libraries are an important part of their communities. It is essential to have a library board whose main focus is on the LIBRARY and how IT can best serve the PEOPLE in the community. City councils do not have the time or the resources to effectively govern both a library and a city.

02-08-2024

Peggy Cobb []

Stop taking local control from cities. We have a local Friends of the Library group that has hands on experience with our library director that can keep our city officials informed of the work they do. We DO NOT NEED STATE INTERFERENCE.

02-08-2024

Sarah Kienzler []

This is unacceptable. It is a complete disservice to the people of Iowa. Libraries are not political beings, they keep the books that people want to read. You need to allow the people of Iowa to continue to have access to libraries, as free sources of information that they choose. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE CHANGES, increase funding to Iowa libraries. No strings attached.

02-08-2024

Sharon Moss []

There are dozens of issues needing attention to improve the quality of life for iowans. This bill would do the complete opposite. Public libraries are the heart of local communities. People depend on them. They should not be dismantled or politicized. Whatever happened to local control?

02-08-2024

Janette Beardsley [Friends of the Library]

Please leave control of the libraries to the boards. Libraries should not be at the mercy of city budgets. City councils have enough issues to deal with as it us. The boards are populated by people who care about libraries. Not so, with City councils. Vote no.

02-08-2024

Meghan Scheidel []

As a rural Iowan, it is extremely important to me that my voice is heard and my representation is honored through delegates. By placing the power in the hands of the city council, Ia rural Iowan, am not represented. Additionally, will libraries continue to utilize rural funds when control is solely in the hands of city council members? I do not support HSB 678.

02-08-2024

Storm Bailey []

The books available to the public in Public Libraries should NOT be subject to partisan political decisions made by city councils in Iowa. Most city councils would not do this, we hope and trust, but in the volatile political times, some just might; and those would be the ones with a strong political agendaeither "liberal" or "conservative." Either one would be bad.It is unconscionable for the Iowa legislature to pass a bill which allows the erosion of freedom in this way. Keep Public Libraries publicnot subject to politicians who might be less wise than yourselves.

02-08-2024

Brittany Wallace []

This is censorship and unconstitutional. Americans have the right to a library that offers freedom of book choice without the local government censoring what is available. We have processes in place to protect and serve our communities that keep the right to read a variety of materials safe from infringement.

02-08-2024

Deborah Burnight [Great Plains ToP, LLC]

I am vehemently opposed to HSB 678. This is a class issue, as our public libraries in Iowa (once a leader in public and civic education) have a longstanding tradition of being accessible to all. As a lifelong Iowan, I am appalled be the trends in which we seem to be moving toward the dumbing down of the populous. This bill would allow a privileged few to control sustainable funding and open access to information in a way that could inject politics into something that should be never be political. PLEASE VOTE NO!!

02-08-2024

Laura Thompson []

I urge you to vote NO on this bill. Public libraries are vital to our communities and provide numerous resources that go far beyond the checking in and out of books. It is incredibly important that libraries retain their autonomy from political influence. If public libraries become just another branch of city hall, and if the city council has the ability to pick and choose the programs, the director, and the board members at their will and whim, we will have begun a descent down a slippery slope. Having worked at a public library myself for over six years, I can assure you that providing free access to information to everyone is beyond necessary it is one of the most American things we can do. However, if we allow our libraries to instead become places of political sway and censorship, then we have failed. This bill cannot be allowed to go forward.

02-08-2024

Marlo Buzzell []

NO. Stop these nonsense, timewasting bill studies about libraries. Public libraries do not need political "fixing," and any changes should continue to come from professional knowledge and democratic public input.

02-08-2024

Felicia Williams [Lamoni Public Library]

I'm afraid the only thing this bill will do is cause problems and solve nothing. By putting the city in control you will be giving them more work. They already don't have the time to understand all of the ins and outs of library work. How is this going to cause good change? The Library Board is already approved of by cities to do the work that they do, and this gives the public insight into how libraries and cities work! By taking this away you lose advocacy for libraries and cities. All I can see is this doing is breeding public unrest.

02-08-2024

Michael Maxwell []

What harms would this policy actually solve, or is this just a continuation of the harassment of libraries for cheap political clout that weve seen over the last couple of years? Iowa will never grow if our elected representatives are determined not to retain professional talent. Most city council members will lack library experience let alone MLS degrees, and I dont think people who are already spread thin are asking for more work. Make no mistake, this is censorship by proxy and we all see it for what it is. Chasing librarians out of Iowa is the end goal of all of this messy behavior. Including the shady way in which this bill has proceeded.

02-08-2024

Lilly Jensen []

Please reject HSB 678. Keep our libraries politically independent and professional. Decisions regarding management, programming, and collections should not be micromanaged by city staff or council members with no training or experience in library management, or the desire, time, and funding to take those tasks on. Library boards do this important work and do it well. The current structure of library boards also provides important rural representation, which the new law would not do. I am a rural resident who depends on and uses a city library because that's the only option for me. The appointed rural representation understands and advocates for the needs that users like myself have. Converting to entirely citybased representation will hurt rural library users.

02-08-2024

Kate Marple []

I am strongly opposed to HSB 678. There is no need politicize library boards when the current setup has worked for decades. Please reconsider. The public libraries and their services are vitally important to our communities and the library boards are best equipped to navigate its needs.

02-08-2024

Jennifer Royer []

I am strongly opposed to HSB 678 and urge you to vote no on this bill. I am a lifelong Iowa Resident and libraries have had a crucial role in my life. I have the honor of working in a library as an adult and can see the value they bring to all communities in Iowa, every day. Supporting HSB 678 would dismantle very healthy, democratic, effective, and cost saving institutions in the state I would like to continue to say Im proud to call home. Please listen to the voices of your constituents and act on them, its really your only job.

02-08-2024

Louise Alcorn []

I am writing as a resident of Des Moines, IA in opposition to HSB 678 (formerly SSB 3131) which impacts Iowa's public libraries. Local library boards are dedicated local residents who work hard to oversee library budgets and policies, ensuring libraries continue to serve their community members of all ages. Literacy enhancement, lifelong learning and community engagement are essential to all libraries. Library board citizen oversight is essential and city councils have neither the time nor inclination to take on their many essential tasks. Please stop HSB 678.

02-08-2024

Caroline M Bredekamp []

Why change a system that has a firm foundation and is the envy of many states? Libraries and the way that they were established were designed to ensure that ALL people ages birth thru death have access to materials and programs that help them to grow and develop skill sets that enable them to be productive citizens. These items also are also sources of entertainment and contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of the patrons. Librarians are trained to do the work needed to run a library and understand intellectual freedom. They understand their role in making sure all types of materials are available from which a patron might choose. Librarians must provide varying viewpoints in the materials available because surprise, surprise, not everyone fits in the same mold, or has the same life experiences. Libraries are "independent" of some of the other city offerings for the sole reason that varying council makeups can eliminate the services and others add in and create chaos an instability in library services. Libraries are to be politic free what is planned opens all members of our Iowan citizenry to the political flavor of the month, and "revenge" policies.

02-08-2024

Dan Voss []

There are no redeeming qualities to this bill. Rural residents would lose all representation on the operation of the library that serves them. It is simply a method to allow a council to impose a political agenda on library operation and makes it very likely that books will be banned as a result. Book banning and censorship is antiAmerican!

02-08-2024

Ruth Palmer [Citizen]

Drop this bill! The voters in Pella responded with what you need to know. Dont add extra work to City Councils who dont have any representation from the rural areas that libraries serve. Dont legislate micromanagement by councils who dont want the role and let the trained librarians and educated volunteers do their jobs!

02-08-2024

Jenny Parker []

Please stop HSB 678, and leave public library boards alone. Public library board members are committed and responsible, why put more unasked for work on our public servants? What problem is this bill trying to solve?

02-08-2024

Melita Tunnicliff []

I oppose this bill very strongly. Iowa's citizen library boards have functioned very well. These trustees devote a lot of time in training and education to learn the workings of libraries. City Councils would not have this focus, and tend to be more politically influenced.

02-08-2024

Sonya Geenen []

I am opposed to this bill. Vote NO on this bill! Cities did not ask for this added responsibility and libraries can't afford to pay sizeable portions of city manager salaries in return for oversight a job that volunteer library boards currently do for free.

02-08-2024

Matthew Golden []

Another day, another power grab by the Republicans. Do not let these people win. They will control every aspect of your life if you allow them. Keep politics out of local libraries. Its the last place left where we dont need Republicans meddling with our every day life.

02-08-2024

Diana Shonrock []

The people spoke already and were vehemently opposed to SSB 3131 should tell you everything you need to know here. Libraries need local control by individuals who have been given that authority by their city council. Libraries are at the heart of communities in so many ways. To try and undermine the public library is to truly tear at the foundation of the community which you are elected to serve. Libraries serve at so many levels besides readingthey are the heart of many communities for programming and social gathering and information needs. Stop this assault on what is necessary especially in small communities.

02-08-2024

Megan Harding [Griswold Public Library]

As with SSB3131 this bill seems to address something that is not an issue. The library board is an important body that attends training to enable them to make educated decisions regarding the library, policies, and other issues. Adding additional duties to the city council is unnecessary. Please let this issue drop.

02-08-2024

Andrea Beckendorf []

Please stop this bill. It is not necessary, and is a power grab by state government that has no place in a state that is struggling to retain young people. This is an unreasonable restriction on libraries, and city councils DO NOT have the capacity to take on this extra work. Please stop this bill.

02-08-2024

Pamela Torresdal [public library supporter]

I am writing to express my vehement opposition to HSB 678. Dedicated library boards thoroughly understand the unique needs and aspirations of their communities and are best able to guide decisionmaking about their library's mission and the wise allocation of library funds and resources to support that mission. In contrast, a city council has a wide range of responsibilities and does not have the specialized knowledge and expertise that a library board possesses. And like many state legislatures today, city councils are increasingly characterized by acrimonious partisan divides The autonomy and integrity of public libraries must be protected from this kind of political partisanship. Largely transferring control of public libraries from library boards to city councils will be damaging to our public libraries. I urge your committee to explore alternatives that encourage collaboration between library boards and local authorities, while preserving the autonomy necessary for libraries to serve their communities well.

02-08-2024

Dena Jennum-Jacobsen [Harlan Community Library & Author of Avoca Book Club - Avoca Journal Herald]

I say NO to HSB678!!!! This bill is just another angle, attempt, ATTACK... for our lawmakers to go after the public libraries and use their ideals for censorship and squash diversity. Members on the library board are invested individuals who want to see the library continue to be an asset to the public community. The whole public community... I have attended several board meetings for the library and their interest is genuine for the past and future events the librarians have chosen to impact our town. They are delighted to hear the Stats of patrons attending programs or visiting the library plus they have suggestions and questions to help improve future goals. Many new patrons are so impressed after I've given them the details on the policy, our services, and our events; they're thanking me for the opportunity to use the library. This bill takes away from the patrons in the community, forcing the library to be a political pawn. Giving control to the city may divert the funds that community members have given to the library in memory of loved ones and or their own personal donations. This bill is just another way for the conservative Republican party to hurt a safe zone for all citizens. Our director already works with the city council regarding library matters of budgets and other building needs. Her job deals with the stats, staying on budget, researching new ideas, completing the annual library certification, policy reviews, weeding, holding staff meetings, giving annual employee reviews, speaking to other city boards in our taxbased funding zone, organizing volunteers, buffering with difficult and or upset patrons, plus so much more. Our library serves individuals from computer access to checking out materials to holding meetings in our rooms in the basement. We serve adults, teens, children, homebound, & homeless. The city doesn't have time to focus on the daytoday agenda that a library board and a director are willing to stay committed. This bill is a waste of time and resources for the state of Iowa. It's a sham, it's disgraceful, and nonsensical. Intellectual Freedom and the Voice of the Community is why our library board dedicates their time to serve. This bill is detrimental to the logistics of running a library properly period.

02-08-2024

Stephen Sheppard []

This proposed legislation is an affront to voters and to free speech. I object in the strongest terms to the idea that members of a city council can tell me what I can read and what I cannot. Reading is an inherent freedom which this bill threatens to take away. I object!

02-08-2024

Sophia Nall []

I am strongly opposed to this bill and to any legislator who signs off on it. The individual rights of a citizen to decide what happens at their library are not to be threatened or revoked by a handful of the powerful. The public library is one of the few spaces in our society that affords individuals to their true right to knowledge, and for the government to threaten that freedom violates every single Iowa citizen's personal rights. It should be in the hands of the people to decide what happens there, not the government.

02-08-2024

Peter Balestrieri []

When you have a problem with your plumbing, you don't call an electrician. City councils are not information professionals; librarians are. City councils do not have the necessary training or expertise required to play the role this bill proposes. Democracy is no longer popular with many legislators and voters. They seek control of American life that would limit or eliminate our basic rights as Americans. Censorship of libraries is unAmerican and it will put us on the road to tyranny.

02-08-2024

Melissa O'Rourke [Public Library Patron]

This bill and SSB3131 are just more efforts to ban books in Iowa. What is WRONG with you? This comes to us from Rep. Jesse Green and his minions, the leaders in Iowa bookbanning. These efforts do nothing to help Iowans, to improve education and public discourse. Stop destroying Iowa. Vote NO on this bill and bills like it.

02-08-2024

Anne Tews []

I am a librarian and totally disapprove of this bill. My city doesn't want running the library thrust onto them. They're short staffed as it is so the needs of the library will be on the back burner, if considered at all! The current method with a board works great. This bill would remove intellectual freedom, and encourages censorship, and eliminates the level playing field for citizens that the library provides.

02-08-2024

Lynn Bopes []

Removing the governing voice of a voluntary library board of trustees is another step in removing citizen input regarding local resources. The state is moving decision making too far away from local constituents

02-08-2024

Benjamin Rothman [Albion Library and Heritage Center]

So, HSB 3131 got shot down and you thought you'd say the same thing in a different way in a different location how very... political... of you to attempt to censor voices and counter the ideals I served 23 years in the Army defending in the most cowardly manner.All I can say about this measure is that, like HSB 3131, is that it is asinine and a waste of time. There are more important issues you should be doing than undermining public libraries.Every duty station I have been to in my life whether as an Air Force brat or as a serving Soldier has had a free and open library. Not just for the servicemen and their families, but to anyone who had access to the instillation including local civilians. When I was in Baghdad with an Iowa engineer company in 2003, the first thing units had us building for them after basic infrastructure, was a location that would be a lending library and Morale Welfare and Recreation facility. In Kosovo, the Camp Bondsteel library was where I took my certification exams that allowed me to have the IT career I have now, and in Afghanistan, we had an established interlibrary loan system throughout our Brigade. Where we go, free libraries follow quickly. Turning the control over to the libraries to a city council will most assuredly kill rural libraries throughout Iowa due to lack of management and ability from the city councils tasked with the additional duties.So, unless your goal is actually the removal of public libraries from the rural towns of Iowa and probably all but the most populous cities, please, do not consider moving this bill on beyond this subcommittee.And if, for whatever reason, seeing the libraries close is your reason for introducing this bill, just say so. Quit being cowards and stop obfuscating about it being for the greater good or whatever reason you give for your sound bites. Either man up to what you are really doing killing local libraries or kill this bill. Stop the bullshit.

02-08-2024

Lyle Luzum []

Please reject partisan takeover of public libraries. The idea that politicians should determine what we read goes against the most basic ideas of democracy! You know that, or should.Dictator wannabes in power think they will stay in power. That is hubris, and it never happens. The shoe will be on the other foot. Its only a matter of time.

02-08-2024

Allie Thomas []

Library governance should be kept separate from the political influence of city councils. City councils do not need the excess work, nor do many want it. Library boards do an excellent job serving the public; let them continue their good work.Please do not pass HSB 678!

02-08-2024

Ryan Fowler [Citizen ]

Why would a political entity want to control a Bastian of free and independent information. Nazi Germany did this, look what happened. This is an infringement on on free speech. Do not limit information even if you do not agree with it. It is vital to understand others points of view, especially those people and organizations who's views do not align with your personal views. For example : do you want to understand radical Islam or pretend it doesn't exist? Do you want to understand LGBTQ views or pretend it doesn't exist? Do you want to learn and formulate your own opinions about other governments and political parties or just assume yours is the best? I could go on and on. This legislation is a waste of time and tax payer money. Politics and Religion have no place in controlling content in a public library. Focus on helping yourconstituents.

02-08-2024

David Scott []

This bill seems unnecessary and an example of state government overreach that would deprive local communities of voice in government and needlessly politicize a basic public service. I strongly oppose it.

02-08-2024

Lauren Bonney []

Independent oversight keeps information from being politicized. Volunteer boards keep city budgets low. Rural representation matters especially for those unable to access high speed internet anywhere but a library and city councils do not represent rural constituents. Books, media, and programming should be adapted to fit each community by an independent board rather than having to fight against road management and business development for time within city council meetings. Unfortunately, it seems that when it comes to public input at city council meetings, the loudest and angriest voices set the agenda. Let libraries function separately and be peaceful places in our communities where curiosity is nurtured and parents can guide their children.

02-08-2024

Patty Lincoln [Strawberry Point Public Library]

I am a library director in a small town. Since small towns are limited with what they can offer this bill would truly hurt our whole community. Our ordinance states that our Board members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the council. The board is responsible for hiring the library director, setting policy, approving programs and overseeing the library. Our City Council does not have time or interest in doing what the boards job is. These changes might impact the library and the services, materials, and programs it provides the citizens in the community. Libraries provide valuable services to their community and surrounding rural areas and are functioning very well under present law. This bill is a solution looking for a problem where one doesn't exist. Trying to limit the services, programs, and materials provided by the library by taking away the autonomy of library boards seems the exact opposite. It is trying to inject government control where it isn't needed. I hope and pray that the committee will drop this bill from consideration.

02-08-2024

Morgan Manley []

This bill will only cause unnecessary censorship and takes the voice away from local communities. I have absolutely no doubt this bill will be the direct cause of library closings as well as the loss of crucial funding for many others.

02-08-2024

Roslin Thompson [KNOXVILLE PUBLIC LIB]

Library board trustees are appointed by the mayor and approved by city council. They are members of the community and are representative of the community who use the library. These dedicated volunteers are invested in the library and are usually library patrons who have a better understanding of library policies and usage than council members who are busy with all matters such as roads, economic development, housing, zoning, businesses, city code policies, city budgets, and so on. They ensure that the library follows standards as set by the State Library, oversee the library budget as allocated by the city, develop and adopt policies, oversee library projects, and advocate for the library in general. Library boards and city councils have a working relationship that have been established for hundreds of years. Boards and commissions are set in the Code of Iowa and in the city code. Please keep library boards as separate entities from city councils.

02-08-2024

Annika Wahlberg []

I oppose HSB 678. This bill is completely unnecessary and unwanted. City councils do not need the added burden of micromanaging local libraries and are frankly ill equipped to do so. Iowa librarians and library board members already possess the specialized knowledge and training required to meet the needs of our communities.

02-08-2024

Liz Rog [library patron]

02-08-2024

Melody Anderson [Richland Public Library]

Good Morning, I am appalled at this bill, for so many reasons. Libraries need to be left as independent services for communities and patrons so we can go forward with access for all patrons. THEY should not be RUN by City Councils which are often more of one political group than another. This is the prime reason that library boards exist and have a group of people from all walks of life, all financial levels, all political views, so WE have to learn to compromise on how things go for our library, our service to our community and anyone and everyone that is welcome to access it. This would not be the case if control is turned over to City Councils who are often predominantly ONE political view. I cannot imagine that City Councils would even do this well, considering that in most little towns they meet once a month to deal with many concerns. I am a Library Board member and have felt an intense honor and responsibility to think about everyone that comes in our doors. I hope everyone involved over this bill will rethink their views. Sincerely Melody Anderson

02-08-2024

Jenny Werner []

This bill is completely unnecessary. If someone objects to how there local library is being run, let them get on the library board and make a change. Leave the current system in place. A bill like this is another attack on civil rights and civic liberty in Iowa.

02-08-2024

Sydney Weldon []

I wholeheartedly object to this, and Im very concerned that lawmakers are prioritizing their ability to erase access to thoughts, ideas, identities, histories, and ways of life from the people of Iowa. Unconscionable in 2024 that THIS is what were spending our time and money on. Knowledge is power. And this is absolutely inappropriate. Get it together, youre embarrassing your constituents.

02-08-2024

Cheryl Pellett [Decorah Public Library Trustee]

I have been volunteering my time as a library board member for years and have totally enjoyed it. But what you are trying to do to the libraries in this state is appalling! Your next election run may have dire consequences if this passes!

02-08-2024

Mary Payne []

As a rural resident of Winneshiek County, I would be very concerned by the passage of the proposed bill which would take away any of my ability to offer comment on the operation of my local library. Our current library board does a great job of offering balance between the liberal and conservative factions. Without this independent board, a city council that is either strongly liberal or conservative could greatly limit the reading material the public has access to.

02-08-2024

Debra Salowitz []

This legislature persists in undermining both the democratic process and individual freedoms instead of doing the real work of governing. Like focusing on the real and substantive issues confronting Iowansinfrastructure, water quality, access to child care, etc. Public libraries are the embodiment of equal access to resources FOR ALL and fulfill this commitment in myriad ways. They do so with highly skilled/trained staff, which would not be the case if this illconceived bill advances. SIDE NOTE: Just as is the case in school libraries and classrooms, if a parent objects to a book they can refuse to allow THEIR child access without denying ALL children access.

02-08-2024

Stephanie Jones []

As shown by the amount of comments opposing this bill, the citizens of Iowa do NOT want this bill passed. Listen to those you are supposed to represent and stop this nonsense that will cease the available access to information. Libraries do not need to be restructured. Listen to the people and vote against SSB 3131.

02-08-2024

Lucy Elliot []

I am vehemently against HSB 678. Libraries provide vital resources to the community that they cannot get elsewhere. Please understand that taking away vital library funding would be taking away resources from children, adults and beyond that use the library every day. Libraries are the backbone of education, please support them as they deserve to be.

02-08-2024

Rita Bresnan []

do not do this. Leave the library alone. I do not want our local library run by the city Council they have enough to do as it is they are not trying to do that. Leave it in the hands of the professionals please

02-08-2024

Laurie Zaring []

I would like to go on record as strongly opposing this bill, which takes control of local affairs out of the hands of the voters. This is nothing more than "big government", which the sponsors of this bill no doubt say they oppose. Librairies need to be able to have the content that represents all of their usersthe local voting public, and this bill would open an avenue for a minority of voters to limit that content.

02-08-2024

Kathy Buzza []

I am dismayed at the scope of this bill, which would allow City Councils to take over the duties of library boards throughout the state and give them license to censor books they find objectionable, influence what programs can be offered, and evaluate the Library Director and staff, perhaps with political motivation. Under current law, library boards are appointed by mayors and approved by city councils. These boards oversee collection development, library policies, and the hiring and evaluation of the library director. If a city council wants to strip library boards of their powers, they must get approval from voters through a referendum. The new law would allow city councils to sidestep their voters and unilaterally take control over libraries with only council approval. Im skeptical of the agenda behind this law and who is promoting it. Are City Councils asking for this, or is it a small number of legislators wanting to promote a far right agenda? Once again, the Iowa State Legislature is trying to take away local control, and I hope this bill does not make it out of committee.

02-08-2024

Gigi Nelson [Alta Community Library]

Our city library has been doubly affected by restrictive educational legislation and now this new proposal. Our library is joined with our local school district's library, which has coexisted for 20 years. Thankfully, that bill was stayed by the court.Not only did we have to spend time analyzing a education bill with our school superintendent, after half of the school year, it was determined to retire our 28E agreement and are dealing with the financial increases that will cost both the school district and the public library once our librarie collections are separated. The education bill SF496 was not thought through very well, very vague and gave no guidelines. Passing this education bill was detrimental to our school district and public library. I do not know of any prior parental concerns as to banned books in the history of our two libraries. Today, our library is looking for a new location in our small town. We are having to purchase to replace the books that were shared in the collection before. Today, we have to contend with more unthoughtful legislation for public libraries that will involve government people who don't understand nor care to respect this established institution of knowledge. City councils have way more to deal with and won't understand library processes. It is not a good thing to put this on their plates. What I have gained from this experience is that the elected representatives are meddling and inserting their personal agendas instead of acknowledging intellectual freedom. The public can chose for their own determination on what they want information about. If it is not of interest, the books won't have circulation and will eventually be weeded if there is no activity. There is a process in place already.

02-08-2024

Lany Mitchell [Wesley Public Library]

I cant think of a worse bill for Iowa libraries and the Iowans who use them. The current partnerships between Cities and Libraries are working, with oversight systems in place through library boards.

02-08-2024

Amy Ryan [Proud supporter of my local library]

PLEASE do not move HSB 678 out of committee and vote on it. It looks like political busy work to me. Our libraries do not need interference from more government officials. It is one of our freedoms to choose to read what I want or not want . The programs our library offers are varied and well attended. Independent library boards make decisions that best serve the interests and values of the local community. This is NOT a job for a City Council. HSB is an ill informed, ignorant bill and should be dropped. Amy RyanDecorah Ia. A proud supporter of Decorah Public Library.

02-08-2024

Tamara Kelley []

This is a big Nope.I grew up with a momlibrarian, and a farmerdad who took time out of the field to go to bat for his local library when things were going awry. I crawled around the floor pulling as many books off the shelves as I could and devouring them until, at age 3, I was able to entertain people by reading from the newspaper to them. I've been a library patron my entire life, and currently work for a library.Libraries are so much bigger than this issue, and I grow tired of this coming up over and over again with the intent of distracting me from larger, more crucial issues that are more worthy of my time and tax dollars. Obstructionist and antibipartisan politics do not serve me, my community, my state, or my country.Public libraries are possibly one of the last bastions of institutional freedom of information and help to keep alive the concepts of credible resources and critical thinking. The majority of all other places and / or platforms require you to buy something to participate, whether it be a restaurant, coffee shop, or newspaper / magazine paywall.If I were living in Russia or China this kind of move would probably float by without too much notice, but in America this smacks of the stuff of autocrats and dictators and I do not support this bill, nor any of the others that have the same "smell" about them.I urge you to spend your time more wisely.

02-08-2024

Brooke Joyce [Luther College]

This bill is a "solution" in search of a problem. Our local libraries are staffed by caring, knowledgable people who love books and love serving the communities they live in. The systems already in place allow sufficient oversight and guidance. Please do not advance this bill.

02-08-2024

Julia Sollien []

I urge reconsideration of HSB678. This bill removes public oversight of library services and key personnel, currently administered through a transparent process, by transferring duties and authority to a small group of officials, increasing the likelihood of decisions and outcomes that do not reflect the locally affected public at large.

02-08-2024

Cynthia Siemons [Greene Public Library]

Please defeat HSB 678! As a former library director, I have serious concerns about turning over the management of our public library to the city council. Please defeat this bill! Thank you!

02-08-2024

Lola DeWall [Pocahontas Public Library]

HSB 678 is a concern to the Libraries in rural communities. Libraries are not only educational but a social Hub for our small communities. Having a volunteer Library Board who is willing to help with policy making and reviews* frees up and gives support to Libraries. Taking this Board and eliminating them and adding it to the city will change the quality service the Libraries give to their communities. The City Council has many duties and adding one more and removing the power of the people in the community will be detrimental in the programming, funding, and the pride the people place in the importance of Libraries. Libraries are important as educational, recreational, and a third space to our community. Please let the Libraries continue to do their job with the quality services they already provide.

02-08-2024

Marlys Lien []

Under current law, library boards are appointed by mayors and approved by city councils. These boards oversee collection development, library policies, and the hiring and evaluation of the library director. If a city council wants to strip library boards of their powers, they must get approval from voters through a referendum. This is a very bad law to create because:HSB 678 would allow liberal or conservative city councils to censor library books those councils find objectionable. which is against ALA rules of "Right to Read" and is censorship!It would mean that city councils could micromanage the kind of programs libraries offer.It would mean that city councils could influence the hiring and evaluation of the library director for political reasons.Rural residents, who are currently represented by a rural library board member, would lose all representation for library decisions because they cant vote for city council members.It would mean dismissing local, nonpartisan, independent citizen volunteers from service.Cities did not ask for this added responsibility and libraries cant afford to pay sizeable portions of city manager salaries in return for oversight a job that volunteer library boards currently do for free.Vote NO for HSB 678

02-08-2024

kathleen hentges []

I forcefully urge you to oppose consideration of this unneeded bill. Libraries have successfully operated since inception with knowledgeable and capable leadership. There is no reason to change what is now serving people in cities and small rural communities with cultural and social opportunities. Unless, of course, there are ulterior motives.Kathy Hentes

02-08-2024

Susan Luzum []

The current system should not change. A public library is for the public and should never be handed over to the whims of city councils. Besides, city councils have enough work on their hands and dont need to run libraries. This bill would make libraries political which is not their purpose at all. They are independent and should remain so.

02-08-2024

Burke Shiffler []

Library directors, library administrators, library board members, library staff members, city council members, former library staff members, and library patrons who have commented here are all against HSB 678. What more do you need to know? Dont fix it if it aint broke.

02-08-2024

Steve Corcoran []

Hello,I am writing to encourage you folks to start doing some real work.Fixing infrastructure, helping small business or Godforpid helping the poor. These policical theater issue's don't help anyone it just political grandstanding. Take a look at why so many educated graduates are leaving Iowa. Why is it not safe for older Iowan's to go in to long term care?I live 10 miles south of Minnesota but it feels like it's a different country. There tackling big issue's and your concerned about books and bathrooms.Who the hell cares in 10 years it won't mean anything.Sincerely,Steve Corcoran

02-08-2024

Zachary Moye []

I thought Republicans favored smaller government oversight and giving power to the people and state? As a registered Republican I decry this bill and will vote against any representative that is in favor of such a bill, which would make our hard working librarians into servile members of the community.

02-08-2024

Holly Moore []

Yet another bill thats a solution to a nonexistent problem. City councils already have approval authority over library boards. City councils are not experts in libraries, nor should partisans be put in control of determining who exactly steers the public library. If people find content in yhe library objectionable, they shouldnt read it. Mein Kampf is objectionable, yet it is part of a library because it is important for people to have access to knowledge about even and sometimes especially the things they find objectionable. Leave libraries alone!

02-08-2024

Linda Wright []

We cannot allow this to happen. Libraries are so important to the lifelong learning that is a major part of our democracy. They serve all people from babies to senior citizens. Very young children learning vocabulary, and later, learning to read, to middleschoolers needing help with homework, adults looking for entertainment or tax information. Personally, I look for books to keep me sane or for learning about a new subject or an old ancestor! I have enjoyed meeting an Iowa Author, I have gotten seeds for my garden, and I have spent time putting together a puzzle, all at my favorite library. Sometimes, I don't even have to travel to the library's building, I can use the services of the library online, searching the Nevada newspapers at home! Please do not strip the library board of their autonomy to decide how best to use the library's money to secure so many services for the citizens of Nevada!

02-09-2024

Peter Scholl []

HSB 678 seems unnecessary and potentially detrimental to the wellbeing of public libraries. I fear this bill is associated with attempts to extend partisan political influence over public access to information resources. I think relying on independent citizen library boards for oversight of public library administration is working well and doesn't need this dubious change. Let this bill die.

02-09-2024

Mary Earll [Sibley Public Library ]

Library Boards Matter! Not only are they a direct representation of the community but these volunteers also oversee the general management of the library. They determine policies, hire and evaluate the Director, plan the mission and vision of the library, and they are strong advocates for the library. It would be a tragedy to lose these compassionate voices for the local community.

02-09-2024

Patricia Dimond [Retired-Assistant Library Director]

Leave the administration of libraries in the hands of community volunteers! This Bill is attempting to fix something that is not broken! Community appointed Library Board of Directors who apply to serve their community by being on the Library Board, have an interest in making sure a community has the freedom to read what they choose and is essential to a communitys educational opportunities.

02-09-2024

Isabella Ream []

Hello all, this is absolutely heartbreaking to see that the defunding of our libraries is even being considered. Local control of libraries is very important to ensure it is for and by the community. By possibly removing funding and local control, you remove freedoms from us as Iowans. Local libraries do nothing but benefit local communities. Such as providing a space away from harsh weather for our homeless, providing books, games, movies for free to the community, keeping education and literacy levels high, and even providing some necessities like the DSM library does with kitchen appliances and supplies. The library is my favorite place to spend a day with a friend reading and enjoying their public wifi. Do not take spaces from the community. It is so hard nowadays to find somewhere to have fun and relax without having to pay any money, and you are putting that in jeopardy. Please consider what this will do to local communities that already feel unconnected. We as Iowans are unhappy with this. Do not pass this bill. Leave our libraries out of your political games.

02-09-2024

Matthew Bills []

02-09-2024

Linnea Lindgren [Fairfield Public Library ]

The library should remain its autonomy. When you have the people of the community involved in the choices with it you are allowing the exercising of the 1st amendment. This is what makes a strong community and ultimately a strong and unified country. Individuals that participate in the community's infrastructure, such as the board of trustees, have been dedicated to their professions and have ultimately something unique to bring to the table to invite creativity,vision, and change for the good of the whole. There motivations should not align with the politics but rather what will make a more unified society.If we stop to think of the innovation that has emerged from this great country, then we can possibly begin to see the importance of individualism and its role in the culture. This is the foundation for liberty and freedom. This is for the people and by the people...Put the trust in the people and allow the "ideal" state of freedom and democracy to transpire. Our great Constitution and its amendments are there to allow this.

02-09-2024

Steve Smith []

"Under current law, a city council may, on its own motion, or shall, upon receipt of a valid petition, submit a proposal to alter the composition, selection process, or charge of the library board to the voters of the city."Removing this and giving the decision to a small group subverts the rights of voters and sure smells like "big government". Kill this proposal.

02-09-2024

Chloe V []

I, along with thousands of other Iowans, strongly disapprove of SSB 3132. The freedom of Iowas public libraries is crucial to the communities they serve. To enact SSB 3131 is to cut libraries off from their communities.

02-09-2024

Carmen Buss [Retired Public Library Staff member]

Please stop this bill! Public libraries protect and encourage the intellectual freedom of Iowans. City councils do not have the time, knowledge, or funding to oversee public library boards. This bill simply provides a way for city councils to micromanage the services public libraries provide for their diverse patrons and communities. Libraries already struggle with adequate funding and this bill would encourage funds meant for public libraries to be allocated elsewhere. HSB 678 is completely unnecessary. Iowa's current public library system works well and is the envy of many other states.

02-09-2024

Maryna Nading [Luther College]

I strongly oppose the bill that would allow city councils to decide what books you can check out from libraries. Under current law, library boards are appointed by mayors and approved by city councils. These boards oversee collection development, library policies, and the hiring and evaluation of the library director. If a city council wants to strip library boards of their powers, they must get approval from voters through a referendum.The new law would allow city councils to sidestep their voters and unilaterally take control over libraries with only council approval. HSB 678 would allow liberal or conservative city councils to censor library books those councils find objectionable. It would mean that city councils could micromanage the kind of programs libraries offer. It would mean that city councils could influence the hiring and evaluation of the library director for political reasons. Rural residents, who are currently represented by a rural library board member, would lose all representation for library decisions because they cant vote for city council members. It would mean dismissing local, nonpartisan, independent citizen volunteers from service. Cities did not ask for this added responsibility and libraries can't afford to pay sizeable portions of city manager salaries in return for oversight a job that volunteer library boards currently do for free.

02-09-2024

Jane Bartlett []

Voters should continue to have direct impact on their local library operations through city elections. States complain about losing independence by federal mandates, but this bill is similar, where local voters are losing independence by a state bill

02-09-2024

Kristi Hager []

I am opposed to this bill as HSB 678 takes away local control of libraries.The bill would allow councils to restructure appointed library boards and shift all policy making, collection development, and operational control to city councils.With no additional resources, this bill forces city workers to take on additional policy reviews, legal liabilities, complex first amendment procedures, and mandatory training in order to receive state and federal funding.It removes the peoples enhanced oversight, transparency, and liability of their public libraries by removing volunteer Iowans from the process.It removes the power of the people and places it directly into the hands of municipal staff and city councils.The Library Bill of Rights was written by Forrest Spaulding, director of the Des Moines Public Library, in 1938. Please uphold the tradition of freedom for Iowans to read and access materials.

02-09-2024

Katie Lawless []

I am appalled by the Iowa Legislature and how they are continually taking the wrong side on Iowans' constitutional rights. This new bill to allow city councils to restrict and control what books and programs public libraries can offer, is wrong. Censorship in libraries and schools is wrong. Letting anyone and their dog carry guns is wrong. Giving public tax money to private schools is wrong. Cutting funds for mental health and special programs for students in need is wrong.

02-09-2024

Kristin Stuchis []

I strongly oppose HSB 678. I wonder, why change something that is working? The libraries in Iowa are vibrant community resources that foster lifelong learning. I grew up in Iowa and often visited our public library. As a child and young adult, I enjoyed following my curiosity and learning about the world, inspiring people, and answers to my questions. I learned as a foreign exchange student, however, not to take public libraries for granted. In Vallenar, Chile, we did not have textbooks at school and when I wanted to review topics we studied in school, I was surprised to find out that libraries were private in my town. My host family did not have a library and books were expensive. I realized that I would be limited had I grown up in a community without access to a library. By leaving Iowa, I discovered that access to information and resources in our public library system is an essential piece to the American Dream.Currently, my family and students regularly use and are inspired by the Marshalltown Public Library. We also enjoy the libraries when we visit Decorah, Grinnell, Ames, Iowa City, and Urbandale. I have been impressed with each and appreciate their local flare. Iowa's libraries are vibrant community assets responsive to their communities because they are run by library boards who are committed to the people they serve.I am disappointed in my home state. Growing up, I was proud of Iowa. I thought Iowa valued education and community. Moving back 6 years ago from Minnesota has been hard. I have noticed division and dismantling things that were so important to me growing up. The public libraries have truly been an oasis. Please table HSB 678 and put your energy in areas that need fixing, rather than trying to weaken thriving community assets.

02-09-2024

Cynthia B. Peterson []

Please do not allow house bill 678 toprceed through the funnel. Libraries need to free of political control in order to be a resource for all. Libraries need control of their own allocated funds in order to serve the changing needs of their users. I am a huge supporter and user of libraries over my lifetime. They have enriched my life more than any other institution. Please keep them free.

02-09-2024

Krista Junkman []

This bill brings many problems with it. City councils should not decide what books people can check out from libraries or what programs the libraries offer. With this bill rural residents would lose all representation for library decisions because they cant vote for city council members.It would mean dismissing local, nonpartisan, independent citizen volunteers from service.Cities did not ask for this added responsibility and libraries cant afford to pay sizeable portions of city manager salaries in return for oversight a job that volunteer library boards currently do for free. HSB 678 would allow city councils to take control of libraries without input from voters. Let the voters decide how libraries should serve them. Stop this bill.

02-09-2024

Kamille Zbanek Hill []

As a library worker, there is no need to change a system which already works well for the majority of Libraries. Current arrangements set boundaries to keep politics out of library business as much as possible. Please keep our library boards and the valuable work that they do.

02-09-2024

Beth Wahlberg []

HSB 678 is a bad bill that should NOT be advanced. Iowa libraries should be run by librarians, not city council members or city managers. This bill is unnecessary and harmful, especially to rural Iowans who are ineligible to vote for city council members.

02-09-2024

Katie Roche []

This bill removes the requirement of voter approval for a city to alter the structure and authority of a public library board, a process for which is already established, but now proposes removing the public vote as a requirement, bypassing the voice of the people. This bill is very concerning to me, because I see the work of the library board as critical in maintaining a nonpartisan, asunpoliticalaspossible, and representative governance of public libraries. Board Trustees are appointed by the City Council with no direct input from current board members or library staff. Also giving a city council the ability to oversee and change the hiring of a library director puts the hiring and firing of this position into the hands of elected officials who do not have the time or expertise to make this kind of decision. They currently rely on the expertise of hiring committees established by local government to interview and recommend candidates for their final review, with offer contingent on Council approval. understanding that this is a well established and time tested process. In my opinion, there is already builtin collaboration between the city council and the library board in that hiring process.Finally, allowing city council to then utilize library financial resources without a referendum will starve libraries of their resources creating deficits in services throughout the community. Libraries are community centers providing early literacy, children, teen, and adult programs, and services and programs that are reflective of the communities they serve. Meeting rooms are provided for free for nonprofit and community groups, children have their music recitals, and community discuss issues related to everything from farming to successful reentry after incarceration. Who will fill these gaps? Who will provide these services? Where will Iowa communities gather after (in many cases, 100) years of uplifting libraries as the center of community?City Council has ready access to all library budget and expenditure detailsall the way down to reviewing hard copy receipts. Board agendas are not secret. To better understand the hefty lift of these expert volunteers I urge you to click this link and look at meeting agendas, packets, and agendas: https://www.icpl.org/about/boardThese systems are working, and its frustrating to see an attempt to dismantle something that directly benefits the public.

02-09-2024

Pam Torresdal Torresdal []

I am totally opposed to HSB678. Current law already allows for changes to library boards and policies, with voter approval. HSB678 would cut voters out of these decisions and leave them entirely in the hands of city councils. And rural library users would be doubly disenfranchised because they cannot vote in city council elections. City councils, along with library boards, currently provide financial oversight of library finances. The current system works quite well, so please leave it alone!

02-09-2024

Lesley Wright []

I am opposed to HSB678.It is bad for libraries and bad for communities. Libraries are vital local resources and volunteer library boards understand the local needs as well as the complexities of running a modern library (which goes way beyond checking out books). City councils also have important, complicated work to do and don't need library oversight added to their plate. If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. HSB678 will not serve Iowans well.

02-09-2024

Rebekah Hosford []

I vehemently oppose HSB 678. Do not take away the autonomy of the Library Board. This legislation takes away the power of the public library board to oversee the library without political interference. I thought we had made our opinion clear about how harmful the proposed ideas in this legislation would be when we spoke out against SSB 3131. SSB 3168, SSB 3166, and HSB 678 all say essentially the same thing as SSB 3131. Putting these abhorrent ideas into separate bills do not make them any more palatable. Go visit your local library. See the good and value they bring to the community. Talk to the patrons. Talk to the library workers. Then vote NO on this ridiculous piece of legislation.

02-09-2024

Pam Sabin []

The proposed bill would also specifically allow a city council to intervene in the process of hiring a library director. Such moves would not only burden city workers and councils with additional responsibilities but also jeopardizes the oversight provided by dedicated and informed volunteer Iowans who serve on library boards.What is the purpose for this this change needed? It makes no sense

02-09-2024

Pam Sabin []

02-09-2024

Rachel Rugg []

I am opposed to HSB 678. The library board trustees are trained and educated to serve on the public library board. We want knowledgeable people serving on library boards. City councils have enough to do and they do not need the added burden of overseeing the library. Please let public libraries continue operating the way that they have been for decades.

02-09-2024

Sheila Schofer []

02-10-2024

Amy Roach []

As a Library Board Trustee, I strongly oppose this bill. Our library runs week with our board in place. Our city already appoints the board members and already approves the budget. The library board is passionate about our public libraries that are imperative to our communities. My concern is that without a library board, the city council wont prioritize the library as needed and our libraries will lose direction and the oversight needed. The city council has enough on their agenda to take on more.

02-10-2024

Kate Scott []

I am opposed to this bill. It will only hinder local governance by adding unnecessary administrative oversight and hinder libraries in serving their communities. Libraries create theiving communities by being able to respond to the needs of their communities separate from the pololitical workings of government. This bill is a direct threat to Iowa's rural communities. This bill is a clear sign that this administration has no interest in supporting the needs of rural Iowans.

02-10-2024

Hank Zaletel []

I strongly disapprove of HSB 678. As a retired librarian and library board trustee, City councils have no ideas what libraries do let alone how they govern. This is a solution for a problem that doesn't exist.

02-10-2024

Kay Elsbernd [Ossian Public Library]

This bill limits the rights of voters to choose for their community. It removes transparency and oversight currently provided by trained library board members. There is nothing in this bill that improves Iowa libraries or life for Iowans.

02-10-2024

Cherie Dargan [League of Women Voters of Black Hawk-Bremer Counties]

Hello all,There is a current trend to strip away local control from libraries and give it and the library monies to the cities. My observation is that not only creates chaos for the libraries, but also for the cities. They do not have the skills and training to hire a library director. Keep things simple. Let library staff, board, and volunteers make decisions, hire staff, offer programs, and control their budgets.This is a terrible bill and it will harm YOUR constituents. Vote NO on all of these bills. They do not fix a problem. They create them.Most small towns are proud of their libraries, which offer the whole community programs, computer access, training, new books, periodicals, and other resources. Leave them be!Cherie Dargan, President of the LWV BHB

02-10-2024

Michelle Hukvari []

I strongly oppose this bill that could limit the impact of Iowa libraries for Iowa citizens. I believe that this bill would give city councils unchecked power to hire library directors and use money in a way that serves partisan political agendas rather than in a way that protects 1st amendment rights and serves all people within a community. I deeply value my local library and I want to have access to nonpartisan free public libraries for many years to come. This bill needs to be stopped and I want Iowa lawmakers to focus on real issues, not on setting limits on libraries that are running just fine the way that they are.Please vote to keep our public libraries running as they are.

02-10-2024

ROGER WHITE [None - I'm a citizen speaking for myself]

Count me as another ordinary Iowan and public library user opposed to the reorganization of public libraries. These municipal resources are the lifeblood of most communities providing reading materials, audio and video materials, meeting rooms and other vital services for residents. I have not yet heard a single word of rationale for making any changes in the current structure of public library boards or the operation of public libraries. The property tax change last year already put libraries at risk as the funding source approved buy the majority of local voters has been arbitrarily terminated. I have heard much concern about the impact of that maneuver. Whatever became of home rule and local control? Republicans used to cherish both of these concepts, but in the current era, these are suspect and need to be undermined in order to facilitate the power grab and "onesize fits all" proposition that is occurring. Do not allow this bill to survive. Support the local decision making of the voters and kill this bill in the subcommittee now.

02-10-2024

Nate Didier []

I am a resident of cedar Falls and our family is an avid user of our city library. The library provides an incredible space for our communitys citizens. Public programs help educate our citys students throughout the year, and various services for all members off our community.Putting the power in the hands of the city council, and taking it away from the library board and the citizens, ensures that any partisan council that wishes to censor the library, or completely defund it, could do so. I beg our state legislators to vote NO on this asinine bill.

02-10-2024

Dennis Anderson []

I want to go on record as opposing HSB 678 bill. There is absolutely no reason, in my mind, that anyone could come up with such a bill! Our library has been running smoothly for years and years without any problems, and I should know, being a trustee.In case you haven't heard the saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", and I believe that's the problem with this particular bill. The person or persons that proposed this bill must be lacking for better things to do, so they are possibly thinking up something to change to a going entity, and in this case, LIBRARIES!As we have found out, in our country, that many times change in the way of doing things is not always a good thing! If this bill was to go into effect, I could see libraries, especially in small towns, having to close, and others deteriorating for lack of appropriate funding, improper management, and even lawsuits.This HSB 678 bill brings up another question aren't city councils busy enough that they need to be given more to do plus take on more liabilities and responsibilities?I strongly suggest that this bill be dropped immediately!

02-11-2024

Lindsey Scott []

When will the Republican party remember their core value of small, limited government and leave the power with the people? Every bill that is introduced is creating more government overreach and IT NEEDS TO STOP. Vote NO on HSB 678.

02-11-2024

Tamara Kelley []

02-11-2024

Shane Jacobson []

I am a long serving Library Board member for the Conrad Public Library. This bill is unnecessary and counter to the local control needed for libraries, particularly small rural libraries. I represent the rural constituents and this would allow the City Council to remove all direct influence and direction I can currently provide without a public vote. It also risks all Public Library funding to be redirected which would be a huge loss to all communities and particularly children that have no other access to books, internet, computers, and other library services.

02-11-2024

Robin Bleichner []

The absurdity of this bill is beyond logic. The library is an integral part of every big city or small time. To assume that a city council has any desire to manage day to day operation of a library is incomprehensible. Allow the Boards of Trustees who volunteer hours of time to do what needs to be done. STOP this absurdity.

02-11-2024

Jessica Board []

Will all due respect to the various city councils around this great state, I don't think many know the first thing about how the public library programming should work or how library funds should be spent for the betterment of the community. Library directors and "boots on the ground" staff have a much better handle on how the library can serve their patrons and the community at large. The current system of allowing volunteer boards to work with directors and other library staff is working, and it is working well. Why change it? This change only serves to unnecessarily politicize an institution that should not be political.

02-11-2024

merle ayres ayres []

I like library boards in small towns where they can review library policies. They are dedicated citizens and have input on how things are run. City councils may not have the time or expertise in some of the library policies. Each city is unique and know their board members. The bill takes away too many ways people want to participate in public affairs.

02-11-2024

Renate Bernstein []

I strongly oppose HSB 678. There is no logical or reasonable explanation for this legislation. Our Iowa library boards have done tremendous dedicated work. We should be thanking them for their service, as they promote programming for all their patrons. Please leave Iowa public libraries alone.

02-11-2024

Julie Fischer []

Non partisan library boards need to assist trained librarians to ensure freedom of speech and freedom of information. HSB 678 stinks and is unconstitutional. Why is our Iowa legislature afraid of freedom?! Isnt America about freedom?

02-11-2024

Barbra Wheeler []

Please do not support this bill. HSB678 removes local control of libraries. The shift from appointed and dedicated library boards to city councils makes absolutely no sense. Cities simply do not have the resources, staff or frankly an interest or the skills to assume policy reviews or the legal intricacies or liabilities. Policy creation, reviews and updates related to libraries is one more burden that City Councils do not have time or background for. There are complex 1st Amendment issues and mandatory trainings to maintain state and federal funding. By removing Iowans as volunteers from the process, transparency, committed and dedicated oversight is lost. All who are students of history know what happens when control of the written word is taken from the hands of the people and is controlled by governments on any level.

02-11-2024

Veronica Ruse []

At the public library, there is a book on our shelves to offend everyone. In other words, we do not engage in viewpoint discrimination in the fulfillment of our professional duties. There are many documents adopted by the American Library Association which speak to this core value, most famously the Library Bill of Rights. (A littleknown fact: the Library Bill of Right was written by a librarian from Des Moines in 1938!). I quote from the Library Bill of Rights below: "I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment". In order to uphold the Library Bill of Rights and the First Amendment, libraries strive to provide impartial access to a wide variety of reading materials across the political and ideological spectrum. As library employees, we strive to fulfill every information request impartially and refrain from imposing our personal beliefs on patrons. I understand that some patrons are offended by the titles they see on the shelves at the public library for personal, religious, or moral reasons. However, I believe it ultimately serves our democracy to make all manner of materials available to the public without censorship. This is the mission that the library board seeks to uphold, and I believe that this mission will be undermined if the library board is stripped of their power to serve in an independent capacity. Allowing elected city officials to make decisions about library operations risks introducing political bias into the functioning of the public library. This bill undermines the very purpose of the public library as impartial in the fulfillment of our duties to the public. Moreover, I believe that trained librarians who graduated from a school of Library and Information Science are best positioned to run a public library.

02-12-2024

Matti Smith []

I STRONGLY OPPOSE HSB 678 Not only for loss of autonomy this would would cause libraries but for the attack on free speech this bill represents by taking the voters out of the equation in the say they have in their libraries. Accessible knowledge empowers the public and builds stronger communities and only those do not have the best interests of the people at heart would choose to fear that idea, remove the voice of voters in favor of empowering a few, and vote for this bill. Stop empowering these radical agendas in Iowa legislature.

02-12-2024

Alyse Hesley []

Our public libraries are one of the last places in society without an expectation of money spent by patrons. Please allow public libraries to keep their autonomy. This is essential to serve the needs of communities. My family and I have been so blessed by our local librarians. They ensure my kids have great conversations about what they are learning and foster curiosity in subjects like history, nature, animal science and more. They are essential to growing communities of leaders and future inventors, researchers, politicians and more.

02-12-2024

Brianna Sholly []

Vote NO to HSB 678. The relationship between City Council and the Library Board should remain as it is to best serve the people of Iowa. Volunteer Library Boards undergo dozens of hours of meetings and Continuing Education training each year, which is an unnecessary burden to place on many already overstretched City Councils. Changing the structure of power will turn many libraries into political spaces, where only one side of the story is told (liberal or conservative), and render the unbiased representation of the ENTIRE community and region obsolete. Librarians and the Library Board work diligently to provide the best services and materials they can to their communities through a budget determined by the Library Board (then approved by the City), and shifting the power to City Council is going to strain that rather than improve it. I encourage you, subcommittee members, that if you haven't visited your local library in the last 6 months, you do so before trying to change what is happening. Libraries are doing some pretty amazing things right now come check it out!

02-12-2024

JeNel Allen Barth []

The monetary and control aspects of this bill is very disconcerting. Our library boards and directors are challenged to be the stewards of library buildings and memorials for use toward the best library services for their community. It is often a lengthy process of strategic planning along side stakeholders for the library. City Councils do not have the dedication time that this process often requires. My fear is that this takeover of control will make future donors apprehensive in donating for fear that city control will slow down progress for an essential and desired city service. I oppose this bill.

02-12-2024

Renee Bartling []

Please vote NO! Please do not let the Iowa Public Library system be destroyed. The public library system was setup to protect the civil rights of every Iowa citizen and support intellectual freedom. Library Boards have tirelessly done an outstanding job, please support them.

02-12-2024

Sue Ketelsen []

Please reconsider HSB 678. I worry that this bill will injure the autonomy of our public libraries and the loss of levy funds which is needed to provide the vast amount of services provided by our local public libraries. City Councils change with each election cycle, but our public libraries need the stability of our dedicated library boards. thank you.

02-12-2024

Nancy Hall []

LIBRARIES = FREEDOM!I think of books as silent soldiers lined up on shelves. Some are pretty. Some are ugly. But the beautiful thing about ALL of them is that they are there for us. Loved the book will read it over and over. Didn't do anything for me won't check it out again.We cannot afford to loose this kind of freedom!Our dedicated (unpaid) Library Board of Trusties are there to help protect this freedom.Please do not pass these bills.Thank you.

02-12-2024

Amy White []

As a public library director in Iowa for 34 years and a voting taxpayer, I strongly oppose HSB 678. Library boards and librarians work closely with city councils already. It is an example of a system of people governing people successfully. If city councils run libraries, will the supporters of this bill want to change the system again in four years? Don't city councils have enough to do? Do they want to be in charge of library programs? Will librarians in Iowa lose their jobs? This bill is beyond my understandingand I'm a librarian so am used to helping people figure things out.

02-12-2024

Katherine Styrt []

I oppose this bill, which is unnecessary and a waste of government time. Adding more layers of bureaucracy to Iowa libraries would be a mess. My family uses our local library at least once a week they're already wellrun, and don't need any interference! Iowa's libraries are crucial places for kids to learn, play, and meet other kids. Please vote against this bill.

02-12-2024

Molly Moser []

I would like to voice my opposition to HSB 678, a bill which takes away local volunteer control of libraries and places that control in the hands of city councils. Our local library is one of our greatest assets, and this is due to the library board and staff responding to the needs of patrons they interact with day in and day out. Our library staff makes the library a fun and educational space for kids and adults, and as weve had more and more children engage at the library, they have altered their activities and offerings in direct response to this attracting even more families. City councilors are not in the library every day. They should not be in charge of making decisions about libraries. They do not need more on their plates, nor do we want them to take away decisionmaking power from those who truly know whats needed and valued in a communitys library. Additionally:* With no additional resources, city workers will be forced to take on additional policy reviews, legal liabilities, complex first amendment procedures, and mandatory training in order to receive state and federal funding.* The peoples enhanced oversight, transparency, and liability of their public libraries are removed by removing volunteer Iowans from the process.* The power of the people is removed and places it directly into the hands of municipal staff. It eliminates the voice of people living in rural counties since changes can be made by city councils without a vote.* Creates fear in library directors since the hiring and firing power of library directors would be shifted to city councils. Librarians could lose their jobs in the future for having controversial materials available based on council members personal opinions.

02-12-2024

Logan J. Kummer []

I am in favor of HSB 678. Elected officials should decide how our tax dollars are used, not unelected librarians. Don't be intimidated by the PR campaign by the librarians to maintain their power. Restore the authority to voters to elect officials who act on their behalf.

02-12-2024

Lawrence Kummer [None]

Libraries are like other public departments and should be under the management of our primary elected officials, not a special Board easily captured by library workers. There is no reason for these special Boards. The City Council can manage the libraries, and delegate responsibility as appropriate.

02-12-2024

Trevor Krug [Waverly Public Library]

I am writing to you to express my vehement opposition to HSB678, which, if passed, will significantly undermine the autonomy of over 500 public library boards across the state. The proposed legislation not only threatens the integrity of public library governance but also jeopardizes the vital funding that sustains our libraries and their invaluable services.Libraries are essential community resources that play a crucial role in fostering education, intellectual growth, and community engagement. The strength of our libraries lies in the local governance provided by dedicated library boards, whose members understand the unique needs and aspirations of their communities. Stripping library boards of their powers, as proposed in SSB 3131, undermines the democratic principles that guide local decisionmaking and diminishes the ability of these boards to tailor services to the specific needs of their communities.Furthermore, the bill's provision to transfer library board assets to the city represents a potential misallocation of resources. Local library boards are best positioned to allocate funds judiciously, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed. A centralized approach may lead to inefficiencies, diminished accountability, and a lack of responsiveness to the diverse needs of individual communities.Such a drastic measure threatens the operational and financial sustainability of communities and their libraries. Library operations and services heavily rely on levies as well as volunteer Iowans appointed by elected bodies to represent, serve, and support the mission of their library. Libraries are cornerstones of education, providing free access to information, technology, and cultural enrichment. Diminishing public access to the process of policy development, library funding, and information access advocacy jeopardizes the very existence of these institutions, undermining their ability to serve as essential community hubs.I would encourage the exploration of alternative solutions that promote collaboration between library boards and local authorities while preserving the autonomy necessary for effective community service. Our libraries are irreplaceable assets, and it is crucial that we protect their ability to thrive for the benefit of current and future generations.

02-12-2024

Gordon Mullin [Koolbyke,LLC]

If it aint broke dont fix it!Libraries in Iowa are an invaluable resource. As someone who grew up in NYC and had access to one of the worlds great libraries I was pleased to discover how useful our libraries are!City councils are political by naturelibraries should never be!Libraries are as necessary to a community as police, fire dept & schools.Please dont screwup a good thing!!Sincerely, Gordon Mullin

02-12-2024

Matthew Golden []

Keep. Your. Religion. And. Beliefs. Out. Of. Our. Lives. Republicans. Its time to stop trying to control the rest of us. We do not want you ideals and beliefs forced on us. Please spend your time trying to help the poor and our children instead of these fake crusades against our LGBQT and our libraries.

02-12-2024

Jennifer Eades []

City councils are not equipped to take over running the library. The responsibility for curating materials and planning programming should be left to the professionals already trained for their positions (often with Masters level degrees) and hired by the library. Library boards are doing an effective job. City councils have enough on their plate. Stop trying to censor by obfuscation and meddling.

02-13-2024

Philip Goldfarb Styrt []

There is no need for these changes, which endanger the independence and efficacy of public libraries. Public libraries are a backbone of an informed populace, which is in turn supposed to be a thing Iowa is known for. I thus strongly oppose HSB 678 and ask you to not advance it.

02-16-2024

Kay Singley [Garrett Memorial Library]

I oppose HSB 678 and encourage you to do allbwithin your power to oppose it. I am a library oard member and understand the time and efforts it takes to stay informed on library law, policies and procedure. A City council would not have the time to Devotions to these efforts due to more pressing City concern. We need to keep library under the management of board who have particular expertise in libraryvmatters to provide the best service to our community! Please oppose this HSB 678 bill to keep libraries in the management of those supporting our democractic approach to library service tailored to the needs of our community.