Advocacy

You are the best advocate for the Des Moines Public Library in our community. On this page you will find tips and guidance for how you can help us continue to grow and provide the services you know and love in Des Moines and Central Iowa for years to come. 

• What is library advocacy?
• Take action
• Library users talk about the library's impact
• Tell your library story

What is library advocacy?

Library advocacy...

• Informs people about library services and their importance in the community.
• Demonstrates how public libraries improve the lives of the people in our community.
• Ensures libraries have resources to continue offering these important services.
• Secures a place at the table for library leaders where important funding and policy decisions are made.

Easy Ways for You to Take Action

• Use the library. Taking advantage of everything the library has to offer helps us to show the importance of access to our community.
• Talk about the value that the library adds to your life with your friends and neighbors.
• Help friends and neighbors get library cards.  Many people don't know what they are missing until they get signed up.
• Reach out to your elected representatives on the Des Moines City Council, the Iowa House, and the Iowa Senate to make sure they know the importance of the library in our community.
• Follow legislative updates that have the potential to impact your access to library resources. The Iowa Library Association has a legislative bill tracker that can help you stay up to date.

Library Users Tell Their Story