Friends of Decorah Public Library

07/12/2026

Congratulations to Decorah Public Library 🥳

DECORAH PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES ACCREDITATION FROM THE STATE LIBRARY OF IOWA

DES MOINES—The State Library of Iowa announced that the Decorah Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation 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 Decorah 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, 2026 and is valid through June 30, 2029.

“This achievement reflects the Decorah Public Library’s dedication to providing exceptional service and resources to its community,” said State Librarian Brenda Hall. “Accreditation is a testament to the library’s commitment to meeting the highest standards in library service and continuing to grow and adapt to the needs of Iowans.”

“State accreditation reflects the commitment of our staff, Board of Trustees, Friends of the Library, City Council, and community make every day to providing outstanding library service,” said Library Director Kristin Torresdal. “We’re proud to meet these statewide standards while continuing to adapt our collections, services, programs, technology, and spaces to the evolving needs of local residents.”

Of Iowa’s 543 public libraries, 416 – including the Decorah 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 Chris Cournoyer, State Librarian Brenda Hall, and Director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services Mark Campbell.

For more information on the State Library’s accreditation program, and to view the Public Library Standards, go to Standards & Accreditation.

04/23/2026

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious. They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life."

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!" The 2024 celebration marked the 66th anniversary of the first event.

04/21/2026

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Now is the perfect time to highlight the critical role library workers play in keeping our libraries running. Let’s celebrate and recognize the amazing STARS who work in libraries. Host festivities as you take this time to flood social media (using the hashtag ) with words of gratitude for all library workers.

What is National Library Workers Day?
NLWD is a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

On January 25, 2003, a resolution was proposed:
That in order to recognize the hard work, dedication, and expertise of library support staff and librarians that the Tuesday of National Library Week be designated National Library Workers Day; and, that on that day, interested library workers, library groups, and libraries should advocate for better compensation for all library workers and, if the day coincides with Equal Pay Day, these individuals, groups, and libraries should recognize both days together.

THANK YOU Decorah Public Library staff! We are so thankful for everything you do for our community and your patrons every day!

04/14/2026

Friends of Decorah Public Library invite community members to their Annual Friends Gathering on Monday, April 27, from 6 to 8 PM at The Landing Market in Decorah.

This free event offers a chance for community members to connect with fellow library supporters, learn more about the impact of Decorah Public Library, and be inspired by simple ways to help ensure the library continues to thrive.

The evening will begin with a social hour at 6 PM, giving attendees time to mingle and reconnect with friends and neighbors who share a love of the library. Light snacks will be provided, and library-themed cocktails will be available for purchase.

At 7 PM, Decorah Public Library (DPL) staff and Friends Board Members will have a brief presentation about the library’s impact in the community and how the library continues to serve people of all ages. The presentation will include a Q&A session and a lighthearted library trivia game, offering attendees the chance to test their library knowledge and win a few small prizes.

Following the program, guests are encouraged to stay, mingle, and continue the conversation with fellow library supporters.

04/12/2026

THANK YOU to the Monday Club for their generous donation to Friends of the Decorah Public Library! We appreciate your continued support!

Pictured are Friends of the Decorah Public Library board members L-R: Alice Runde (Secretary), Sue Ballantyne (Treasurer), Alan Ellickson (President), Monday Club President Joy Bahnemann, Sue Ellingsen, and Cheryl Pellett