Iowa’s AEAs are pleased to begin a new partnership with the State Library of Iowa to deliver materials through the IA Shares delivery service. This collaboration will leverage AEAs’ existing infrastructure to enhance service and efficiency for Iowa’s public libraries.
IA Shares is a statewide delivery service program that provides once-a-week delivery of library materials for all public libraries and the State Library. The cost of IA Shares is paid for with a portion of the federal funding the State Library receives from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Beginning Aug. 4, 2025, the IA Shares delivery service will be fulfilled by the Iowa Area Education Agencies (AEAs) van delivery system.
“The AEA’s established network serves every corner of Iowa through the school system and is a natural and efficient partner for IA Shares,” said Brenda Hall, interim director of the State Library. “Our new partnership keeps money in Iowa, reduces costs for the State Library and maximizes the return on public investment. With nine hubs across the state and high-capacity cargo vans, I’m confident the AEAs are well-equipped to meet the demands of IA Shares delivery.”
With a system of hubs and routes, IA Shares facilitates quick and efficient delivery of library materials. Any library material that can fit in a tote or bag and is under 50 pounds can be sent to another Iowa public library via IA Shares. With 543 public libraries across the state, the AEAs will now ensure timely and reliable delivery to each of them.
“We’re proud to expand our van delivery service to support Iowa’s public libraries,” said Cindy Yelick, Chief Administrator of Heartland AEA, representing Iowa’s AEAs. “As state-funded agencies, we’re always looking for ways to maximize our impact, enhance efficiencies and strengthen partnerships across the state. Supporting library delivery aligns with our mission of supporting education, access to information and learning for all Iowans.”