Richland Public Library receives accreditation from the State Library of Iowa

DES MOINES—The State Library of Iowa has announced that the Richland Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation at Tier 3, the highest accreditation level, as outlined in “In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards Sixth Edition.”

Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services. The Richland 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 accreditation status begins July 1, 2023, and is valid through June 30, 2026.

“The director and board of trustees of the Richland Public Library, and the City of Richland, are to be commended for this achievement and their commitment to excellence in public library services for their community,” said State Librarian Michael Scott.

Of Iowa’s 543 public libraries, 414, including the Richland 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.

For more information on the State Library’s accreditation program, and to view the Public Library Standards, go to https://www.statelibraryofiowa.gov/index.php/libraries/search/accred-stand.

About the Richland Public Library

The Richland Public Library was opened in 1938 by the Richland Woman's Club with 200 books. Our current building opened in 1977 and includes books for all ages, audiobooks, magazines, the Clarion-Plainsman newspaper, DVDs, electronic books and audiobooks, 3 public computers, free Wi-Fi access, and a copy machine. For more information, visit: https://www.richland.lib.ia.us

About the State Library of Iowa

The State Library of Iowa actively champions libraries. Our two roles are improving library services in Iowa and delivering specialized information services to state government and to Iowans. www.StateLibraryofIowa.gov