Advocacy
The Waterloo Public Library is grateful for the support of our community. The purpose of this page is to outline resources to promote the importance and value of the Waterloo Public Library. These tools have been compiled to make it as easy as possible to share your support for the library with your friends, family, and community.
Advocacy helps to:
- Inform public library users and the community about library services and their value
- Demonstrate how public library services improve the lives of people in the community
- Ensure libraries have resources to continue offering these important services
- Secure a place at the table for library leaders where important funding and policy decisions are made
Why is Advocacy Important?
Library advocacy is important because it ensures we continue to have the means necessary to serve as a vital community resource supporting all community members. Regular and consistent advocacy with stakeholders means there is a greater chance of being top of mind when important decisions are being made.
We hope this webpage will offer you the resources needed to advocate for the Waterloo Public Library. Some examples of the messages we hope you will share:
- “Waterloo Public Library is a vital community hub that fosters lifelong learning, promotes literacy, and provides equal access to information for all residents.”
- “The library offers free resources, programs, and services that support education, professional development, and personal growth, contributing to a thriving community.”
- “Investing in the Waterloo Public Library is an investment in our community’s future, as it enhances the quality of life, promotes economic development, and strengthens social cohesion.”
When library issues arise in public policy debates, library advocates should be ready to reach out to their public officials and persuade them to protect our libraries and rights!
1. Get to know your local elected officials. Do not wait until you need something to connect.
2. Do your homework. Reach out to the Waterloo Public Library, the Iowa Library Association, or American Library Association for background on the specific issue and how best to frame the message.
3. Know your audience. Research positions of elected officials in advance. Understand what they care about and consider how your request aligns with these.
4. Contact elected officials personally if possible. A meeting is better than a phone call, a phone call is better than an e-mail, and an e-mail is better than no contact.
5. Always start with a thank you. Find something the elected official has recently supported which has a positive community impact and thank them for that.
6. Keep it brief. Share the most important facts and the few best arguments.
7. Make it personal. Explain how the issue impacts you and your family/friends…and their constituents!
8. Make a clear request. Ask them specifically to SUPPORT the legislation, or OPPOSE the legislation, or help to change the legislation.
9. Be polite, but direct, and try to get a commitment to support the library position.
10. Follow up. Once the issue is resolved, make sure to thank those that supported the library, and know that more work needs to be done with those that did not.
FEDERAL
Congress
Chuck Grassley https://www.grassley.senate.gov/contact/questions-and-comments
Joni Ernst https://www.ernst.senate.gov/contact/email-joni
Ashley Hinson https://hinson.house.gov/zip_authentication?form=/contact
STATE
State Senators:
William Dotzler bill.dotzler@legis.iowa.gov
Dave Sires dave.sires@legis.iowa.gov
State House Representatives:
Jerome Amos Jr. jerome.amosjr@legis.iowa.gov
Timi Brown-Powers timi.brown-powers@legis.iowa.gov
Bob Kressig bob.kressig@legis.iowa.gov
Derek Wulf derek.wulf@legis.iowa.gov
COUNTY
Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors
Justin Brandt (expires 2028) 319-833-3075
Linda Laylin (expires 2028) 319-833-3075
Ritchie Kurtenbach (expires 2026) 319-833-3075
Chris Schwartz (expires 2028) 319-833-3075
Tavis Hall (expires 2026) 319-833-3075
CITY
Waterloo City Council
Dave Boesen, Mayor Mayor@waterloo-ia.org
Kelly Martin, At Large Kelly.Martin@waterloo-ia.org
Steve Simon, At Large Steve.Simon@waterloo-ia.org
Steve Schmitt, Ward 1 Steve.Schmitt@waterloo-ia.org
Dave Morrow, Ward 2 Dave.Morrow@waterloo-ia.org
Deb Berry, Ward 3 Deb.Berry@waterloo-ia.org
Dr. Belinda Creighton-Smith, Ward 4 Belinda.Creighton-Smith@waterloo-ia.org
Hector A. Salamanca Arroyo, Ward 5 Hector.Arroyo@waterloo-ia.org
MISSION
We spark curiosity, enrich lives, and build community by ensuring resources, recreation, and expertise are accessible to everyone.
VISION
A connected, engaged and empowered community.
CORE VALUES
Access: We offer resources, services, and expertise in a safe, accessible place where everyone feels welcome.
Community: We serve as a hub of engagement, education, and fun, where people gather, connect, and explore.
Empowerment: We enable people to enrich their lives and strengthen their communities.
Innovation: We embrace creativity and develop new approaches to meet community needs and shape a brighter future for everyone.
Teamwork: We work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Intellectual Freedom: We are committed to the free and open exchange of ideas. We facilitate your access to information free of judgment.
Equity: Our library is for everyone. You are welcome here.
Privacy: We protect your information and your right to privacy.
Why I Love My Library
The impact of a public library can best be measured by the impact on our community. This is where you come in!
Tell us how the library has impacted your life or the lives of those around you. Share meaningful interactions or moments, or tell us about your experience with a library staff member.
By submitting this form, you give the Waterloo Public Library permission to share your comments. If we share your comments, we will only display your first name and last initial. Not all submissions are published.