T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY State librarian Brenda Hall checks her notes before speaking to attendees Friday in the Malloy Leisure Resource Center about the extensive services of the state public and law libraries in Des Moines.

From Sioux City to State Center to Clinton, there are 544 libraries in Iowa. Only California, New York state and Illinois have more, said state librarian Brenda Hall on Friday at the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) during a presentation before residents and staff.

Hall, accompanied by Iowa State Library Commission president Fred Schuster, said they had been invited to IVH by Iowa Veterans Affairs legislative liaison Mike Olson to discuss services offered by the state library in Des Moines.

The services offered on site, online and by telephone are extensive and are frequently used, said Hall.

“In addition to answering historical information about the state – we provide information and resources to state government employees, librarians and public library trustees,” she said. “Our staff conduct regional workshops for libraries on how to implement summer reading programs among other subjects.”

Residents and staff listened attentively and asked compelling questions about library services and more. Hall said the state library also manages the state’s popular interlibrary loan program.

For example, should one’s hometown library not have a book available – one can request that library to access one from the state’s inter-library loan collection at no charge to the libraries or patrons.

Hall and her staff of 19 oversee the state’s public library in the Ola Babcock Miller Building in the 1100 block of East Grand Ave. as well as the state law library in the Iowa Capitol Building.

The state law library is an architectural treasure with ornate ironwork and more.

The state library and employees are under the direction of the Department of Administrative Service (IDAS) – Hall said – and were allocated a budget of $2.4 million by the state legislature.

The Iowa Commission of Libraries (ICL) is a group of seven volunteers from around the state appointed by the governor.

Schuster began his four-year term in 2023. ICL acts as advisors to staff, said Schuster. Schuster also serves in a voluntary role as president of Ankeny Library Board of Trustees.

Before Hall’s presentation, she and Schuster toured IVH and the library.

“I am impressed by the layout and collection,” said Hall. “I am especially impressed by the large-type books of biographies and westerns.”

IVH Library Technician Catherine Noble said the library’s collection of current DVDs titles is popular with residents. The IVH library is open Tuesday through Thursday. Noble is its only paid employee.

Residents volunteer their time to manage services and the collection.

Hall was hired as the state librarian in August of 2025.

“I’m truly honored by this opportunity and grateful for the trust placed in me,” said Hall. “As state librarian, I am committed to collaboration, service, and supporting Iowa’s libraries and the people we serve.”

With 21 years of experience in libraries, including over a decade in leadership roles, Hall has a proven track record in library management and staff development. She served as interim state librarian beginning in November 2024 and Library Program Director at the State Library since March 2022.

Prior to joining the state library, Hall served as a branch supervisor, senior librarian, and teen specialist at the Des Moines Public Library. She received a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Wayne State University, a Master of Education (MEd) Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English from the University of Northern, Iowa. She is also a Certified Public Manager.

Hall is the 29th State Librarian in Iowa history.

For more information about the state library contact Information.Services@iowa.gov. For more information about the IVH library contact Noble at 641-752-1501.