Upham Memorial Library in Fredericksburg receives accreditation from State Library of Iowa

The State Library of Iowa has announced that the Upham Memorial 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 Upham Memorial 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 is valid through June 30, 2020.“The director and board of trustees of the Upham Memorial Library and the city of Fredericksburg  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 544 public libraries, 349 – including the Upham Memorial 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. More than 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 medical conditions, 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 Terry Branstad, Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, State Librarian Michael Scott, and Iowa Commission of Libraries Chairperson Dale Vande Haar.