The Lake View Public Library shared its annual report during the City of Lake View City Council meeting this past Monday. Library Board President Judy Kramer says the library had a record-breaking year, serving over 14,000 patrons and had very successful programs over the course of 2025.
Kramer says the library submits these statistics every year to the State Library of Iowa, as it is fully accredited at a Tier Three status, having the highest level of certification for public libraries. Director and lead librarian, DiAnne Fikkert, also has the highest level of certification for a public librarian. This allows for the maximum funding amount allocated from the state to the library. Kramer says the rest of the funding comes from local government entities, donations and gifts, and fundraising from The Friends of The Library organization. Kramer says that group earns enough money from the annual book sale fundraising event to pay for all of the activities during the summer reading program.
She wishes to thank all the supporters, staff and volunteers that assist the Lake View Public Library to continue its purpose of informing and educating patrons.
The annual report was presented to the city council before the library’s budget request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. The library is asking for a 2.52 percent increase in funding, which equates to around $60,970 to help finance capital improvement projects, the purchasing of a new copier and a 50 cent per hour wage increase to all librarians. No decisions were made during Monday’s meeting as budget requests are still just being introduce to the council.
