Friends of The Agency Public Library

08/20/2026

⚠️ The FCC is trying to defund library internet. ⚠️

A federal program called E-Rate gives libraries a deep discount on internet service so that we can provide reliable wifi and internet access to our patrons without sacrificing funding for other services.

We know this is a vital service we provide to our community. The FCC, however, needs to be convinced.

While we were all reeling from the storms and barely starting to clean up and recover, the FCC finally posted their plan, initially hatched in June, to scale back or end the E-Rate program. And that means it is open for public comment!

➡️ 💬We are inviting everyone to share why library internet matters to you on the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System.

The American Library Association has provided simple instructions for filing a public comment, as well as a letter template: https://tinyurl.com/2p4crftj The letter template is for library professionals, but feel free to adapt it for your own use or simply follow the instructions to post your own comment in your own words.

You don't have to be a policy expert or even a library professional to submit comments about E-Rate. The most important thing is to personalize your comments, drawing from your own experience. And after this month's storms and widespread outages, we know you have stories to share.

Thank you all for supporting your library. Let's tell the FCC: Don't pull the plug on library internet!

https://www.shlb.org/save-our-e-rate

08/16/2026

Congratulations Mercedes! Mercedes won the Adult Summer Reading Grand Prize in our Adult Reading Challenge.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this reading challenge!
Grand Prize:
*Black Canvas Tote Bag filled with a candle, bookmarks, pens, and lap blanket for a comfy day of reading and ignoring the outside world!

08/14/2026

For over a century, public libraries have been a cornerstone of the American Dream—places where everyone can access knowledge and resources. The Friends of the Agency Public Library proudly support both our library and our community.

We encourage the community members to attend our Friends meetings to see how we, as a community, can continue to support our Agency Public Library.

08/06/2026

Reading Buddies are always available at the library, even during Monday's Preschool Story Time at 11am.

08/06/2026

The Library's punch card program, Library Legends is available to all children. The kids love earning prizes and seeing their completed punch cards on the recognition board!

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

Shape the Future of Our Community: Join the Agency Public Library Board of Trustees!
Are you passionate about literacy, community connection, and lifelong learning? The Agency Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic, forward-thinking community member to join our Board of Trustees. This is your opportunity to advocate for our library, champion new ideas, and make a lasting, positive impact right here in Agency, Iowa; acting as a primary ambassador, connecting our library’s resources directly with the local community.
We are looking for dedicated individuals who want to work together to achieve great things. No previous board experience is required! What do you need?
Passion for the Library: A genuine love for the library's mission of enrichment and education.
Collaborative Spirit: A positive, team-oriented mindset ready to brainstorm new ideas.
Local Insight: A desire to represent the unique needs and interests of your neighbors.
Requirements: In alignment with the Code of Iowa and municipal guidelines, and candidates must meet residency requirements.
This is a vital volunteer role. While the position is unpaid, trustees are fully reimbursed for any authorized expenses.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you are excited to help us build a stronger community, we want to hear from you!

How to Apply: Pick up a physical paper application directly at the front desk, or download a digital copy on the Agency Public Library Website, or email the Library with a request for an application. The formal application process includes a structured review and recommendation, followed by official mayoral appointment and City Council approval.

05/05/2026

A huge thank you to Ashbys Bakery for their generous cookie donation to our Friends of the Library Bake Sale. It's the support of local businesses like theirs that makes our community so special. You can check out all they offer at ashbysbakery.com! ❤️

04/29/2026

Garage sale weekend just got sweeter! 🍪

Stop by the Agency Public Library Thursday, April 30 - Saturday, May 2 for our Friends of the Library Bake Sale!

🍪 Homemade treats
📚 Supports your Agency Public Library
🏷️ The perfect fuel for a day of bargain hunting

See you there!

04/23/2026

Thank you librarians for what you do! Kathy, we appreciate all that you do for our Agency library and community!

Today is National Library Workers Day. As the Library Director for the Agency Public Library, let me say what it means to be your librarian, to serve the community of City of Agency, Iowa.

I consider my position as the Library Director more than just a paid position. It is more than just a "job". I consider it a great privilege to serve our patrons, to welcome new members not only to the library but to the community.
This little library has stood in this space since 1947 but it is more than just a room full of books. This library is a shared space. Away from work, away from school, a third place that I consider sacred in its ability to bring people together.

In serving the community, I have had the pleasure of greeting little ones being introduced to a lifetime of loving books. I have heard the giggles of kids learning STEM and not even realizing they were learning because they were having fun at our Activity Center. I have also had the privilege of helping a patron searching for remnants of a deceased love one in our archived school year books and so much more.

But, as I tell you about my privilege to serve this community, I must say that it is because of all the librarians that helped me during my lifetime. To these wonderfully amazing people, I say thank you.

This library is more than a building, our library is more than just a room of books. Libraries are places shaped by the people of our community and their relationships with each other. Thank you for the privilege of serving this community in my role as Library Director. Thank you for your support and continued use of the library.
We’re grateful for the trust you place in us, for the conversations we share, and for the role we’re able to play in your lives.