Iowa Librarians Visit with Congressional Delegation

State Librarian Mary Wegner, Iowa Commission of Libraries member Tom Martin, Iowa Library Association (ILA) President Barbara Peterson and ILA Governmental Affairs Committee Chair Mike Dargan were in Washington DC May 13-14 to visit with Iowa's Congressional delegation about the importance of federal funding in providing Iowans with the best library service possible.

According to Wegner, the delegation met in person with Senator Grassley, Senator Harkin, and Representative Loebsack, and with staff members in the offices of Representatives Boswell, Braley, King, and Latham. Wegner said, "We told our Congressmen and their staffers that library use in Iowa is stronger than ever, and that two-thirds of all Iowans have active library cards.  We explained how libraries of all types are key to lifelong learning, economic development and quality of life in our Iowa communities, and asked for their support in assuring continuing LSTA funding."  Wegner also expressed her thanks to Dargan, Martin and Peterson for their effective advocacy in telling the LSTA story in Washington DC.

In particular, the library delegation explained how Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds support the Web-based information resource, EBSCOhost.   They also explained how the State Library used the money, in cooperation with the Gates Foundation, to help libraries develop their own Web sites.  LSTA funds make possible Iowa Center for the Book activities, the Summer Library Program, and building consulting grants.  LSTA funds have also been used to help ILA with library leadership development training.

The contingency also expressed interest on improved broadband Internet, especially in rural areas, as well as language ensuring that school libraries would be included in legislation intended to upgrade school facilities.

Said Mike Dargan, "I judge this trip to have been a worthwhile effort. None of this would have been accomplished with out the leadership of State Librarian Mary Wegner and ILA President Barbara Peterson.  I thank them and the Iowa Library Association for the opportunity to promote library services in our nation's capital."