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State senator wants to give city councils oversight over city libraries

On Thursday, legislators introduced a new bill in subcommittee pertaining to city libraries, including library directors and how library tax money is used.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa legislators introduced a new bill on Thursday pertaining to city libraries, including library directors and the ability to use library tax money.

The bill, SSB 3168, would allow a city council to oversee and change the hiring practices for a library director. The bill would also allow city councils to use a library's tax money by ordinance without a referendum.

In other words, the proposed legislation from Sen. Jesse Greene, R-Boone, would give each city council throughout Iowa oversight of that city's public library, something that the city of Pella challenged at a local level in November's election.

"Most [libraries] do a great job, but there's a few that are in tough spots with their city councils, and that's what we're here for is try to see if we can resolve some of these issues that exist," Green told Local 5.

However, opponents of the bill believe this bill would hurt public libraries.

"A problem in one library constituency or in one town, is not a problem in every town, and to take away this very, very local governance, feels like a difficult thing," said Julie Finch, president of the Iowa Library Association. 

Legislators decided not to take up SSB 3168 at a committee level Tuesday, a day after it passed through subcommittee. However, Green mentioned the bill will be heard in days to come.

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