In 2023, the Iowa Legislature overhauled our property tax system with overwhelming bipartisan support. Part of that overhaul changed the way that many Iowa libraries and museums are funded, and the consequences of that change are making themselves known. On this episode, we talk with Billie Bailey, the retired executive director of the Grout Museum District in Waterloo, and Cindy Wells, president of the Board of Trustees for the Waterloo Public Library. Over 90% of the affected libraries and museums are at risk of budget cuts before the end of the 5-year sunset period, according to a report compiled by Bailey and Wells. Then, when tractors replaced horse-drawn implements, it revolutionized agriculture, and competition among tractor makers was fierce. We talk with Peter Tubbs, producer of Tractor Wars and Tractor Wars II from Iowa PBS, which tells that story. (Iowa PBS is an underwriter of IPR.)
Michael Leland
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Iowa Public Radio
Sheila Brummer
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Iowa Public Radio
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Active bills at the Iowa Statehouse involving public libraries and public assistance programs are the focus of this Legislative Monday episode. First, Sam Helmick, shares their perspective on proposals that would impact public libraries as president of the American Library Association. Then, Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny and Rep. Helena Hayes, R-New Sharon, share their differing perspectives on library bills. Then, Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, and Rep. Austin Harris, R-Moulton, discuss proposed changes to SNAP and WIC. We also hear from Paige Chickering, vice chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition. -
On this Newsbuzz edition, host Ben Kieffer speaks with guess and journalists from around Iowa about the news of the week, including the first funnel deadline at the Statehouse, how Iowa libraries became political lightning rods, the risks of lead in hunting, funding of the 988 crisis line and more.
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An Iowa House subcommittee advanced a proposal Thursday to restrict minors from accessing materials with sexual content in public libraries unless they have parental consent.
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In March, the entire Institute of Museum and Library Services staff was placed on administrative leave by the Trump administration, indefinitely pausing all work processing 2025 grant applications. Now, the IMLS has reinstated terminated grants. -
A conversation with author Kevin Wilson about his novel Run for the Hills, recorded at the Des Moines Public Library. Wilson and Charity Nebbe talk about reading out loud, Wilson's writing process and why his book sales spike in December. -
Baker & Taylor, one of the nation's largest book suppliers, announced that it will shut down by the end of the year. The vendor had a contract with the State of Iowa.
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A conversation with author Kevin Wilson about his new novel Run for the Hills, recorded at the Des Moines Public Library.
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Libraries, museums and theatres are just a few of the community institutions facing federal funding losses statewide.
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All employees of the Institute for Museum and Library Services, or IMLS, have been placed on administrative leave following an executive order from President Donald Trump to dismantle seven independent government agencies. The IMLS distributes thousands of grants nationwide to museums and libraries.
