Modifying provisions related to public libraries that are eligible to receive state assistance under the enrich Iowa program

This bill modifies provisions related to public libraries that are eligible to receive state assistance under the enrich Iowa program. The enrich Iowa program, established in the department of administrative services (DAS), is designed to provide direct state assistance to eligible public libraries, to support the open access and access plus programs, to provide eligible public libraries with an incentive to improve library services that are in compliance with performance measures, and to reduce inequities among communities in the delivery of library services. Current law defines an “eligible public library” as a public library, established by city ordinance or a library district, that submits to DAS certain required information and documents and participates in the library resource and information sharing programs established by the state library. The bill modifies the definition of “eligible public library” for purposes of the enrich Iowa program to provide that such library must also not be a dues-paying member of a nonprofit organization that operates nationwide, promotes federal and state legislation related to libraries, and engages in advocacy efforts at the federal and state level, or a dues-paying member of a nonprofit organization that operates primarily within this state, promotes federal and state legislation related to libraries within this state, and engages in advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local level.