State Library of Iowa facts for kids
The State Library of Iowa is a special library in the American state of Iowa. It started around 1840. Located in Des Moines, it is managed by the Iowa Department of Education. This library helps other local libraries across Iowa. It also provides important resources for the state government and all citizens of Iowa.
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History of the Iowa State Library
The story of the State Library of Iowa began in 1838. The first group of lawmakers for the Iowa Territory met in Burlington. The governor at the time, Robert Lucas, talked about starting a library. He had already picked out important books and bought them. He asked the lawmakers to hire a librarian to take care of these books.
In 1840, the lawmakers passed a rule to hire a librarian. They also explained what the librarian's job would be. The library was open every day when the lawmakers and the Supreme Court were meeting. On other days, it was open for a few hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In 1857, the library moved to the new Capitol building in Iowa City.
In January 1894, the library moved again to a new, beautiful space. This was in the west wing of the new capitol building in Des Moines. This part of the building had lovely winding stairs and fancy floors. Today, this original library space is still used by the state law library. Many visitors admire its beauty each year.
While the legal books stayed in the capitol, other parts of the library moved. In 1857, these collections went to the State Historical, Memorial and Art Building. The State Library then moved to the east wing of this building in 1912. It has been there ever since. The building was fully updated between 1999 and 2001. This update brought back its original look and colors.
At first, the State Library mainly helped the state government. Over time, its job grew. It began to plan and improve library services all over Iowa. Today, the State Library is part of the Iowa Department of Education. It offers many services and programs to libraries and people across Iowa.
How the State Library Helps Local Libraries
The State Library of Iowa helps local libraries in many ways. It sets standards for public libraries and helps them get approved. It also collects information about libraries each year. This helps libraries see how they are doing.
The State Library offers ideas for programs and services for adults, children, and teens. It provides resources for libraries that want to build new buildings. It also helps librarians learn new skills through training. Libraries can find information on how to get discounts on products. There is also a program to certify public librarians in Iowa.
The State Library helps libraries get access to online articles and newspapers. It provides lists of all libraries in Iowa. It also helps libraries apply for federal programs like E-Rate, which helps with internet costs. The library manages programs that give money to public libraries. It also helps libraries lend books to each other.
Libraries can find information about grants and other ways to get money. The State Library helps libraries teach people how to find and use information. It lists job openings for librarians in Iowa. It also provides resources for libraries that help people find jobs. The State Library helps library trustees (people who oversee libraries) do their jobs well. It also offers information about the value of librarians and how to become one.
The State Library provides resources for planning in public libraries. It shares examples of library rules and policies. It also offers training on how to create a website for a library. Libraries can get help with medical or legal questions. The State Library also shares information about how important school libraries are for students. It collects statistics to make library services better at all levels. Finally, it provides tools for libraries to share their stories with the public.
How the State Library Helps Iowa Government and Citizens
The State Library of Iowa also helps the state government and people living in Iowa. It has special collections of Iowa's important legal documents. It also collects books and journals that are about Iowa. Many state documents are available online through "Iowa Publications Online."
The Government and Management Library helps Iowa state government employees. They can find information for their jobs. This includes topics like:
- How to manage money (budgeting)
- How to organize groups (organizational management)
- How to serve people better (customer service)
- Social issues
- Money matters (economic issues)
- Statistics
- Important topics for lawmakers
- State and federal tax forms
The law library has a special collection of legal books. It helps Iowa lawmakers, government workers, and the public. It has state and federal laws, rules, and court cases. It also has records from the Iowa Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
The State Data Center of Iowa is a great place to find facts about Iowa. It has information on population, housing, businesses, and government. This includes data from the US Census Bureau and Iowa state groups.
The State Library offers many online resources:
- Databases: You can find online articles, newspapers, and maps.
- Iowa Inventor's Database 1843-2009: This lists people who invented things in Iowa.
- Digital Sanborn fire insurance maps: These old maps show buildings in towns. They are useful for studying history, city planning, and family history. They show fire hazards for buildings. Maps cover over 360 Iowa towns from the 1870s to the 1920s.
- Iowa Heritage Digital Collections: You can explore Iowa's history and culture here. It has pictures from Iowa libraries and museums.
- Iowa Locator: This helps you find books in libraries all over Iowa.
Publications
The State Library also publishes helpful newsletters:
- Footnotes: This is a newsletter published four times a year.
- State Library Update: This newsletter is for people who have a State Library card.
