Benton County Library Association details programs and asks for level funding

Kelly Henkel, director of the Vinton Public Library, told the Benton County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 30 that the county’s 11 public libraries use the county’s financial support for a wide range of programs and services and requested level funding for the coming year.

"I'm the library director at the Vinton Public Library, and I'm here on behalf of the Benton County Library Association," Henkel said, describing partnerships with local agencies, successful summer‑reading outreach in Urbana that reached more than 60% of children, and grant‑funded improvements such as new event seating in Shellsburg. Henkel highlighted library programming for all ages, interlibrary courier service through the State Library of Iowa and a planned countywide children's passport program to encourage visits to multiple libraries.

Board members asked clarifying questions about financial reporting, courier services and program reach; the association representative said the FY27 request is the same as the current fiscal year. Supervisors thanked Henkel and other directors who attended and did not reduce the library request during the meeting.

No separate vote to adjust library funding was recorded during the session; the board accepted the presentation and asked staff to incorporate the request into budget deliberations.