Library Board

The Agency Public Library uses a structured, multi-step process to recruit, evaluate, and recommend new trustees for official mayoral appointment and city council approval. 

State legal requirements for public library board members in Iowa are governed by the Code of Iowa and individual municipal ordinances. Key mandates for board members include age, residency, specific state-mandated training, and general governance duties.  Under Iowa Code 21.12, newly appointed or elected board members must complete one to two hours of educational training on Iowa’s open meetings and open records laws (Iowa Code Chapters 21 and 22) within 90 days of taking office. Iowa Public Library Standards recommend that all trustees participate in ongoing board development training (averaging about 5 hours annually) to maintain the library’s state accreditation. 

According to Iowa Code Chapter 336, library trustees have specific statutory powers, which include:

• Hiring and Compensation: Exercising the sole power to hire, fire, and set the compensation of the library director.
• Policy and Finance: Directing and controlling all affairs of the library district, which includes overseeing the library's budget and setting operational policies.
• Purchasing Authority: Authorizing the library director to purchase books, materials, furniture, and technology.