2025 Legislative Updates

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Executive Order

An Executive Order was signed on Friday, March 14th calling for the elimination to the maximum extent and reduction of statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as well as six other agencies. In FY24 $211 million was allocated to the Library Services Technology Act (LSTA), which is the leading source of federal funding for public libraries. 

The Burlington Public Library benefits directly from LSTA funds in the following ways: 

- Interlibrary Loan Delivery

- Access to the People's Law Library of Iowa

- Bridges / OverDrive / Libby

- No Cost Website Hosting

To read more about how Iowa libraries use LSTA funds, click here to view the State Library of Iowa's LSTA info. 

HF 880 (formerly HF 284)

HF 880 seeks to remove eligibility of public libraries to access Enrich Iowa Funds based on their membership to professional institutions that engage in advocacy efforts at the federal or state level. This House File has made it through the first funnel and is now eligible for discussion on the House Floor. Click here for the full bill text. 

HF 521

HF 521 seeks to remove the exemption for public libraries and educational institutions from Iowa Code 728 - Obscenity, opening them up to lawsuits for providing access to legal library material. This House File has made it through the first funnel and is now eligible for discussion on the House Floor. Click here for the full bill text. 

HF 294

HF 294 seeks to allow cities to implement a special levy to fund libraries. This House File has been referred to Ways and Means and is exempt from the funnel deadlines. Click here for the full bill text. 

Welcome

The Burlington Public Library Board of Trustees welcome you to the BPL Advocacy page! We’re glad you’re here and we look forward to sharing resources and information with you. Our goal is to help our patrons engage with those around them and tell our library’s story. 

Advocacy helps to:

• showcase all the ways in which the Burlington Public Library serves the community
• inform the public on how far we stretch our collective dollars. Every $1 invested in libraries is over a $5 value added return
• ensure that the Burlington Public Library is properly funded and supported for our long-term success

How You Can Support Us

The best way to support a public library is to use it!  Attend our programming, browse and check out materials, or just stop down and say hi! There is always something going on at the library and always an opportunity to engage.  Sign up for updates from the Advocacy committee, and we will be sure to communicate specific opportunities as they arise. 

Stay Up to Date

Keep up with BPL news with our monthly Library Services Reports: 

Share Your Library Story

Click on the link below and share your library story.