DES MOINES — The State Library of Iowa announced that the Tama 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 Tama 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 began July 1, 2026 and is valid through June 30, 2029.

“This achievement reflects the Tama 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 Tama 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.

Tama Library Director Kris Collins shared the following comments.

“We are pleased and proud to make this announcement. We have to thank our dedicated staff, our Board of Trustees, the Mayor, and City Council for all of their support for the library and our programs and facilities. Tama County is a strong supporter of sustaining libraries, even in some of our smallest communities for the past 120 years. Our public libraries provide so many ways for the people to gain access to reading materials, news, computers, printing/faxing/emailing, learning programs, and outlets for creativity, culture, or entertainment.

As America celebrated its 250th birthday this summer, I thought a lot about how much I appreciate that our local communities and the state of Iowa have kept intellectual freedoms for citizens in the public libraries. I will always support this ideal, and our state and civic leaders who continue to keep these freedoms for Iowans and Americans. In a free society, this matters. Curiosity and knowledge are what help a free republic imagine great possibilities for the next generation. Political and Religious ideals are private matters, and important to maintain as such. Offering public access to ALL ideas and information allows for free people to determine good from bad, and to see something more for the greater good than our predecessors have. And that’s how communities can continue to succeed, be united, and grow as a nation for another 250 years! I look forward to bringing access to learning, reading and growing open minded collaborative people from the programs and materials we will continue to offer the citizens of Tama and our surrounding communities. State Accreditation lets our community know we operate at the highest standards, for ALL and we know the public expects nothing less, and shouldn’t,” she said. “Continuing with positive news, Tama Public Library has just wrapped up its summer reading program, Red, White, & Read. With over 60 children participating, the day program held in July, offered opportunities to learn more about US History from 1776. Children from PK-6th grade played Escape the Revolution, The Great Water Balloon Revolution of 2026, and a Dump the Tea Obstacle Course. Lessons themed around Early American Colonial or Indigenous life were shared through crafts, foods, or activities. Iowa history and facts were shared, and a guest visit with the current Butter Cow Sculptor, Sarah Pratt, was a very big pre-Iowa State Fair treat. All kids earned prizes and rewards for participating and continue to as they read their way through August.”

During the month of August another big project will begin at the Tama Public Library. The City of Tama approved funding for replacements of roof, window seal/caulk, and ceiling insulation. The long overdue project has been discussed over several years, and the time is finally right for budgeting this to maintain the beautiful space of the library for many years to come. There may be limited access to patrons for some materials throughout this project, and possibly 2-3 days of closure, but as minimal interruption of services as possible. Patrons can watch the Louise and Lucile Hink Tama Public Library website or Facebook page for announcements as these changes occur.

The Iowa Library Association (ILA) is thrilled to announce that nine Iowa public libraries were selected to participate in the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) Community Resilience pilot program. This national training includes 40 libraries from Iowa, California, New York, and Massachusetts and was developed with support from the Mellon Foundation.

This pilot will consider ways to integrate the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries into daily operations and will inform the refinement of a scalable training model to help our libraries find practical ways to apply community resilience strategies.

“With the State Library of Iowa reporting that 98% of Iowans use their public library, we understand that our libraries play a pivotal role in long-term community resilience,” said Iowa Library Association President Brittany Jacobs. “We are proud of the proactive research and planning that these 9 libraries are putting towards ensuring that their communities are ready to weather the storms that come their way.”

Sustainable Libraries Initiative Community Resilience Iowa Cohort:

�–� Lois Blythe, Burlington Public Library

�–� Caroline Bredekamp, Preston Public Library

�–� Grace Chamberlain, Russell D. Cole Library, Mount Vernon

�–� Kris Collins, Louise & Lucille Hink Tama Public Library, Tama

�–� Janette McMahon, DeWitt Community Library

�–� Allie Paarsmith, West Liberty Public Library

�–� Elizabeth Petersen Grier, Springmier Community Library, Tiffin

�–� Samantha Schwarz, Elkader Public Library

�–� Tara Turner, Bertha Bartlett Public Library, Story City