Welcome

Libraries matter in Iowa.  We are a state rich in libraries, with 543 public libraries, more than 80 college and university libraries, about 1,000 school libraries and approximately 70 corporate libraries.  Libraries enrich Iowa and support lifelong learning.

The State Library of Iowa actively champions libraries.  Our two roles are improving library services in Iowa and delivering specialized information services to state government and to Iowans.  Our mission is to advocate for Iowa libraries and to promote excellence and innovation in library services, in order to provide statewide access to information for all Iowans.

The State Library has supported libraries and learning in Iowa since 1838.  We began as a territorial library and became the State Library when Iowa was established as a state in 1846.  Our original charge of providing services to state government has grown to include statewide planning and development of library services for Iowans.

The State Library of Iowa seeks to sustain a state of learners because lifelong learning is essential to individual success and to a democratic society.  State Library support empowers Iowa libraries of all types to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, to build 21st century skills, to sustain cultural heritage and to increase civic participation.

We welcome you to our Web site and hope you will visit often.  The State Library of Iowa's Web site can lead you to useful information of all kinds, whether you need population and business statistics about Iowa, or want ideas for telling your library's story, or have a question to pose to our law librarians, or need to know the title of this year's All Iowa Reads selection.

We're here to serve you - welcome to the State Library of Iowa!