Sam Helmick, 2025-2026 President of the American Library Association and 2023 President of the Iowa Library Association, will explore how libraries safeguard democracy by serving as trusted public spaces and skilled civic institutions and why they require sustained funding and strong intellectual freedom protections. She will address:

• current legislative challenges in Iowa around library funding and censorship including the repeal of local library levies and restriction of public materials
• the real impact of these policies on communities, particularly marginalized residents
• how libraries promote civic engagement from bilingual outreach and bookmobile access to youth programming and public events

Helmick will offer practical suggestions for how local voters, community leaders and civic organizations can support and advocate effectively for libraries. There will be time for questions and discussion.