The Sioux Center Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation, according to the State Library of Iowa.
Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services.
The Sioux Center 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 director and board of trustees of the Sioux Center Public Library and the city of Sioux Center are to be commended for this achievement and their commitment to excellence in public library services for their community,” said State Librarian Michael Scott.
Sioux Center's library currently has 6,099 patrons who regularly use the library. It sees approximately 29,000 checkouts a month, and had 16,000 visitors during the month of June.
Of Iowa’s 543 public libraries, 414 – including the Sioux Center 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 Adam Gregg, State Librarian Michael Scott, and Iowa Commission of Libraries Chair Zachary Stier.
The mission of the Sioux Center Public Library is "to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities by bringing diverse people, information, and ideas together”.