CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS - The Toledo Public Library recently received a grant from the Tama County Community Foundation to assist the “Spark a Love for Reading” project.

The Toledo Public Library received a grant from the Tama County Community Foundation to “Spark a Love for Reading” project. With the help of this grant, the library was able to purchase many exciting new picture books, beginning-to-read books and books for babies. Long gone are the days of libraries only having traditional printed material, so the library was also able to add new puppet backpacks to our collection. Inside the backpack kids will find a puppet and books based on that puppet. Using puppets along with reading makes it not only fun but interactive as well.

The Toledo Public Library is grateful to the Tama County Community Foundation for investing in and seeing the library as a valued partner in the community. Stop in soon and see what other great resources we offer at the library. Check out our website at www.toledo.lib.ia.us.

In other news, The State Library of Iowa announced that the Toledo Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation as outlined in “In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards Sixth Edition.”

Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services. The Toledo Public Library has been recognized for its efforts in all areas of library operations including governance and funding, staffing, library collection, services, public relations, access, and facilities. The accreditation status begins July 1, 2026 and is valid through June 30, 2029.

“This achievement reflects the Toledo Public Library’s dedication to providing exceptional service and resources to its community,” said State Librarian Brenda Hall. “Accreditation is a testament to the library’s commitment to meeting the highest standards in library service and continuing to grow and adapt to the needs of Iowans.”

Of Iowa’s 543 public libraries, 416 – including the Toledo Public Library – are accredited. Iowa’s accredited public libraries are recognized for being responsive to their communities and for exhibiting excellence in their provision of library services. Almost two-thirds of all Iowans have active public library cards.

Iowa libraries play key roles in workforce and economic development, lifelong learning and e-government activities. Iowans use their libraries to find jobs, do homework, locate a good book to read, research legal information, access government information, and more.

Accredited libraries receive a higher rate of compensation through the State Library’s Enrich Iowa program. They also receive a Certificate of Accreditation signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer, State Librarian Brenda Hall, and Director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services Mark Campbell.

For more information on the State Library’s accreditation program, and to view the Public Library Standards, go to Standards & Accreditation.