FY25 Proposed Budget

Iowa City Public Library

Department Mission

The Iowa City Public Library is a center of community life that connects people of all ages with information, engages them with the world of ideas, and with each other, and enriches the community by supporting learning, promoting literacy, and encouraging creativity.

Library values include access, belonging, collaboration, community, enjoyment, intellectual freedom, and literacy.

The Library is committed to excellence in customer service, working collaboratively, minimizing ba rriers to use, protecting our community’s freedom to read, providing a welcoming environment, amplifying community voices, and maintaining a professional, passionate, and skilled staff.

Department Description

The Iowa City Public Library is a busy, vibrant community hub, focused on identifying and championing community aspirations. Services are intentionally designed to excite and engage diverse audiences and support the community in growing and learning together. Services include a curated materials collection, programming for all ages, technology access (wi-fi, hardware and software access and a full digital media lab), and a bookmobile. Online access makes collections and information available 24/7. Services are offered to residents of Iowa City and, through contract agreements, residents of Hills, rural Johnson County, Lone Tree, and University Heights. Reciprocal agreements with other public libraries across Iowa provide for a sharing of services through the Open Access Program.

“ Whether you are looking for early literacy programs, tech help for seniors, or something in between, the Iowa City Public Library is here to connect you with the things you need to keep learning and growing.”

- Elsworth Carman, Director

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