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Davenport Public Library outlines national, state and local accreditations and designations
Summary
Library director Jeff Collins briefed the board on a slate of accreditations and designations — FDLP, state accreditation, USPTO PTRC, LEED Silver (Eastern), historic landmark status for Main, FamilySearch affiliate, sensory and dementia‑friendly certifications — highlighting expanded services and largely low‑cost or no‑cost benefits.
At the April 21 meeting, library director Jeff Collins gave a detailed presentation on Davenport Public Library's accreditations and designations, noting how each status expands services for residents without large recurring costs.
Collins said the library has participated in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) since 1973 and houses government publications at the Main Library. "We are one of only 12 FDLP libraries in Iowa and the only public library in the state that is designated as an FDLP," he said, noting the collection includes congressional bills, laws, regulations and historical documents.
Collins also described continuous state accreditation since 1986, administered by the State Library of Iowa, which requires libraries to meet an array of service standards and is reviewed every three years. "We'll know for sure whether we are reaccredited in the next month or so," he said.
Other notable designations include a USPTO Patent and Trademark Resource Center designation (PTRC) since August 2011, the Eastern branch’s LEED Silver certification, Main’s listing as a local historic landmark and contributing property to the National Register, and the library’s designation as a FamilySearch affiliate providing on‑site access to restricted genealogical records.
Collins highlighted recent service‑oriented recognitions: installation of Virgin Group interactive pre‑literacy spaces across the three children’s areas (installed 2023–25, costing roughly "$close to a million dollars" as described in the packet), designation as a QCAD Safe Connect space for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, Culture City sensory inclusive certification (noted cost of $1,000 annually and staff‑training requirements), and dementia‑friendly certification tied to regional aging agency training.
Trustees praised staff for leveraging these designations at low taxpayer cost and suggested including these recognitions in briefing materials for City Council during the joint meeting planned for June 30. Collins said many of the designations require staff training and some one‑time costs but generally provide access to specialized resources that benefit entrepreneurs, researchers and families.
The presentation closed with board members agreeing these recognitions bolster community trust and outreach; Collins said staff will prepare a concise summary for council members ahead of the June joint meeting.
